Torquay Scene Paper Knife, 1840
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Paper Knife with Stamp Box - Torquay Scene; Mother-of-Pearl blade - Birmingham 1840 by Taylor & Perry - 24cm long; 46g gross weight - BD/5477
This silver desk accoutrement is both very rare and very beautiful! It is a silver handled paper knife or letter opener with mother-of-pearl blade. To the top of the silver handle is a hinged cover to reveal a compartment for holding stamps.
The handle is especially beautifully as it decorated with an idyllic scene of the Devon seaside resort of Torquay. There are yachts in the bay whilst the hotels that were established for early Victorian tourists stand along the seafront. The scene is raised and is in the theme of the castle top series of boxes bought by wealthy travelers following the advent of the railways. The scene continues around to the reverse of the handle and shows some houses and tree-lined hills further up the cliffs. Along one edge of the handle can be found in raised lettering the name of the original retailer: "James Braham, 8 Strand, Torquay".
The attractively shaped and carved mother-of-pearl blade perfectly complements the handle and make this a very pleasing object!
