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Unique silver-plated "Snake of Aesculapius" meat skewer (letter opener / paper knife) by WMF from the early 20th century.

Description

This German Art Nouveau meat skewer is made from silver-plated brass and hallmarked "W.M.F.M. I/0". The spiral has been modelled in the form of the Snake of Aesculapius and designed to hold a bouquet of herbs or flowers (see last picture from WMF's 1925/6 catalogue). It can be used perfectly as a letter opener or paper knife as well - the ideal gift for a doctor.

The hallmark "W.M.F." is the abbreviation for Württem-

bergische Metallwarenfabrik, which in English means Württemberg Metalware Factory. The "M" at the end of the hallmark notates the base metal used for silvering, that means brass. The fraction "I/0" means the normal thickness of silvering.

Designer

WMF was founded in Geislingen, Germany, in 1880 and gained international standing very quickly. Already at the turn of the century the factory became a highly estimated producer of silver-plated Art Nouveau tableware and household items and employed 3.000 workers in Geislingen.

Condition

This meat skewer is in excellent vintage condition.

Measurements

Length: 16 cm - 6.3"

Length of handle: 4 cm - 1.6"

Height of spiral: 2 cm - 0.8"