Tiffany letter opener-anyone seen one?

[House of Charm Antiques Southinc]

We've had this lovely Tiffany letter opener for decades and am wondering if anyone's seen one. I couldn't find one in a brief bing search but I think this is a special piece. Sterling an ivory with fleur de lis motif, it's separated at the handle but I think could be easily rejoined to be considered a murder weapon once again!

[vicki hufstetler]

What exactly does the marking say? I can't really make it out. This most likely would have been part of a "Desk Set" though, I've never seen this pattern before. It looks rather unusual for Tiffany, which is why I'd like to know the exact marking.

[House of Charm Antiques Southinc]

Timely reply: Tiffany & co, sterling and I'd have to dig t out to see any other marks on it.

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

How do you know it's Ivory?  Did you test it?  Many were made with bone or celluloid. Third word looks like1870 to me, but is blurry. I blew up the pic but it doesn't help much.

[House of Charm Antiques Southinc]

Could be bone, celluloid and Tiffany-prob not, but in my medical opinion, the soft texture and hardness suggests ivory. Will have another look at it again though.

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

To test for ivory heat a needle tip red hot and press into it in a hidden area. If the needle penetrates (makes a tiny hole) IT IS NOT ivory.  If it is ivory the needle will not penetrate or scar/scratch it. 

[House of Charm Antiques Southinc]

Will do-bone would not melt either I believe.

Is that how they make scrimshaw?

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

Hot needle will not penetrate or scratch ivory.  Scrimshaw is on ivory. (walrus,  narwahl or whale).  Scrimshaw is done with a sharp knife, drills and small chisels. 

[House of Charm Antiques Southinc]

then they stain it for color?

A stunning art.

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

Read about it. I was telling you how to test ivory. Don't know much about scrimshaw. Probably used India ink for colors...dunno.