Details
Description
Ball, Black & Co. Sterling Silver Medallion Letter Opener Featuring Mars, Circa 1862, 43 Grams
A rare and refined example …
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Ball, Black & Co. Sterling Silver Medallion Letter Opener Featuring Mars, Circa 1862, 43 Grams
A rare and refined example of American Civil War-era design, this sterling silver letter opener by Ball, Black & Co. of New York dates to the 1860s and features a classical profile of Mars, the Roman god of war, framed in the firm’s celebrated Medallion motif. Cast in high relief, the helmeted male bust—bare-chested and stern—embodies the neoclassical fascination with antiquity and valor that defined mid-19th-century American decorative arts.
The front of the handle displays the portrait medallion with a radiating ground, flanked by scrolled volutes and a floret detail at the mid-shaft. The reverse is engraved “E.R.C. from C.L.S.,” suggesting it was given as a meaningful gift—possibly to commemorate service or scholarship. Marked “Ball, Black & Co. Sterling” with a clear “Patent 1862” stamp, the piece predates the firm's transition into what would later become Black, Starr & Frost.
Measuring approximately 6.75 inches in length, this letter opener balances historical depth with elegant form and remains fully functional for contemporary use.
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- Dimensions
- 7.25ʺW × 0.75ʺD × 0.25ʺH
- Styles
- Neoclassical
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Sterling Silver
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Silver
- Condition Notes
- Good Wear consistent with age and use. Good Wear consistent with age and use. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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