Double Knife Letter Opener with Sheath
Artifact IDMO 63.6120a-c
Object Type
Opener, Letter
Date
20th century
Maker
Iisakki Jarvenpaa Oy
(Finish Knife Maker, Founded 1879)
Place MadeFinland, Europe
Medium
steel; ivory; brass, leather
DimensionsOverall L 4 1/2 in (11.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionDouble-knife letter opener encased in sheath are two steel blades with ivory handles capped by a horse head finial. The blades are inscribed "Ruostumaton" on front, meaning "Rust-proof" in Finnish, and are signed by the artist on back. Etched on the handles in gold is a heraldic lion standing on his back feet facing left. Used by the President as a letter opener.
B: Small knife, from double-knife letter opener, has a steel blade and ivory handle capped by a horse head finial. The blade is inscribed but illegible. Etched on the handle is a heraldic lion standing on his back feet facing left.
C: Leather and brass sheath, for double-knife letter opener, with compartments for long and short blades, with loop at the top. Tip of the sheath is curved.
Additional DetailsB: Small knife, from double-knife letter opener, has a steel blade and ivory handle capped by a horse head finial. The blade is inscribed but illegible. Etched on the handle is a heraldic lion standing on his back feet facing left.
C: Leather and brass sheath, for double-knife letter opener, with compartments for long and short blades, with loop at the top. Tip of the sheath is curved.
Custodial History NoteItem was owned by President Kennedy. Ownership was transferred to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 76055731)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.Subjects
In Collection(s)
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