This wooden letter opener reflects the theme of 1893 Columbian Exposition. The exposition celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. In honor of the 400th anniversary, the Spanish government made replicas of Columbus’ ships. The replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria sailed from Spain, across the Atlantic Ocean, and were present at the Exposition to honor Christopher Columbus. When the exposition opened in 1893, Spain sent Admiral Cristóbal Colón y de la Cerda to the opening ceremony. He was 14th Duke of Veragua and a direct descendent of Columbus.

On the top of the letter opener is the coat of arms for the Duke of Veragua and the phrase “And a New Pilot will Discover a New World 1492.” The Duke of Veragua title was created in 1537 during the reign of King Charles I to represent the territory of Veragua. Created in 1502, the territory of Veragua extended along the Caribbean coasts of present-day Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The first Duke of Veragua was Admiral Luis Colón Toledo, the grandson and heir of Christopher Columbus. The title is a hereditary title that has been passed down through the direct descendants of Columbus.