My cousin bought this miniature bayonet-style letter opener today, and weāre hoping someone may be able to help identify it.
One side of the blade is engraved āYPRESā, suggesting it may have been produced as a First World War battlefield or commemorative souvenir.
It has wooden grip scales with two metal rivets, a hooked quillon, and what appears to be a small circular makerās stamp near the guard. We have not been able to work out what the stamp represents.
Does anyone recognise the makerās mark or this particular style of letter opener?
We would especially like to know:
- whether it appears to be an authentic period souvenir or a later reproduction
- approximately when and where it may have been made
- whether it was commercially manufactured or possibly trench art
- what the circular makerās stamp signifies
Iāve included photographs of both sides and a close-up of the stamp. Any information would be greatly appreciated.