Gus Letter Opener

195

Here is a very nice Gustav Stickley letter opener. Heavily hammered copper and properly signed with the compass joiners mark. Measures 8 3/8" x 1 3/8" wide and is hardened copper so even the toughest envelopes can be slit without any problem. Actually practical , works very well for opening letters is a beautiful desk top conversation piece . The signature is a little hard to see with the digital camera however is strong with the naked eye.

Gustav Stickley was born March 9, 1858 in Osceola, Wisconsin and died April 21, 1942 in Syracuse, New York.

First trained as a stone mason, Stickley preferred to work in wood and dreamed of building fine tables and chairs. He learned furniture making at his uncle's chair factory in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Traveling to Europe in 1896, he met notable Arts and Crafts designers. The following year he returned to the United States and founded the United Crafts of Eastwood, New York. In 1904, he founded the Craftsman Workshops. The furniture he designed and made was mostly of native American oak and hammered copper pieces. It was of a sturdy-plain design in contrast to the highly decorated late Victorian pieces. Joinery was exposed and upholstery was carried out in canvas and leather (natural materials). It became known as Mission Style. Stickley's designs were exhibited at the prestigious Grand Rapids and Pan American furniture expositions