Letter opener

[Ostmaerker]

I got this letter opener today, and I must say, this is excellent work, no cheap junk.

Has anyone of you seen such a thing before? It is from the Steyr-manufacturer, who built machines and tractors.

Thank you!

Ostmaerker

[Ostmaerker]

2

[hellracer1]

Hi Peter,
I like this letter opener, but I have never seen before, but the dates are very simple:1864 declared Austria and Prussia to war against Denmark. 1939 war against Poland.
Regards
Winfried

[Br. James]

I've not seen this piece before, but from the dates on the hilt it appears to be a commemorative letter opener created for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Austrian heavy industry and munitions firm. Here's what Wikipedia tells us:

"On April 16th, 1864, Josef Werndl founded the "Josef und Franz Werndl & Comp. Waffenfabrik und Sägemühle in Oberletten" (Josef and Franz Werndl & Partners), from which later emerged the "Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft", and subsequently the Steyr Werke AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, from which STEYR MANNLICHER was a division."

As you said, this is quite a handsome artifact! Cheers and thanks for sharing it with us,

Br. James

[hellracer1]

I've not seen this piece before, but from the dates on the hilt it appears to be a commemorative letter opener created for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Austrian heavy industry and munitions firm. Here's what Wikipedia tells us:

"On April 16th, 1864, Josef Werndl founded the "Josef und Franz Werndl & Comp. Waffenfabrik und Sägemühle in Oberletten" (Josef and Franz Werndl & Partners), from which later emerged the "Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft", and subsequently the Steyr Werke AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, from which STEYR MANNLICHER was a division."

As you said, this is quite a handsome artifact! Cheers and thanks for sharing it with us,

Br. James

That sounds very good

[Ostmaerker]

I've not seen this piece before, but from the dates on the hilt it appears to be a commemorative letter opener created for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Austrian heavy industry and munitions firm. Here's what Wikipedia tells us:

"On April 16th, 1864, Josef Werndl founded the "Josef und Franz Werndl & Comp. Waffenfabrik und Sägemühle in Oberletten" (Josef and Franz Werndl & Partners), from which later emerged the "Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft", and subsequently the Steyr Werke AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, from which STEYR MANNLICHER was a division."

As you said, this is quite a handsome artifact! Cheers and thanks for sharing it with us,

Br. James

Yes, that sonds logical and makes sense.

I googled a bit and found some artists working with metal living in Steyr at that time, maybe theyr work? In the back HK is ingraved.

What would be a fair price for that letter opener?
I'll make better pictures as soon as possible, it deverses it.

Ostmaerker

[AndyB]

Very nice piece, probably a gift to a NS or other representatives. well made.

[Ralph Arndt]

Nice.