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Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography …
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit: Joel Benjamin.
Double Knife Letter Opener with Sheath
Image courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit: Joel Benjamin.

Double Knife Letter Opener with Sheath

Artifact IDMO 63.6120a-c
Object Type Opener, Letter
Date 20th century
Maker (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 Details
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
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view