Indian Knife or Letter Opener

Slim blade swaddled in engraved patterns from guard to point.

This knife or letter opener in engraved silver is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the early 20th century. Slim bladed tools can serve as a small knife or as a paper opener, and in the early twentieth century such useful pieces were often decorated for display. Slender curved dagger lying flat, its grey metal surface covered in dense engraved scrolls and linear bands. A waisted grip band separates a flared, diamond-shaped pommel from the long tapering blade ending in a fine point. It is 9.5 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 2 high.

Every inch decorated, with room left only for the point.