Entire Collection
Letter Opener
Specifications
Letter Opener
Category
World's Fairs
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Written Communication T&E - Writing Accessories - Opener, Letter
Object Origin
1893
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Hand painted flat wooden letter opener. Top portion has straight edge on left side and two (2) curves on the right side. The straight left side is thinner, acting as the blade. Letter opener has a thin straight handle at the bottom. At the top of the letter opener is a green, red, and gold crest with four (4) sections, each featuring a different symbol. From left to right and top to bottom, the symbols shown are a gold castle, a red lion, a fores...
wood
Marks: "...And / a new pilot / will / discover / a new / world. / 1492"
Measurements: Object:
Length: 9.75 in, Width: 1.5 in, Depth: 0.125 in
Weight: 0.018 lbs
Credit
Gift of Howard Rossen, 1993.44.657
Display Status
Not On View
Letter Opener
About: Letter Opener
About: Letter Opener
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.
Additional information
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