Vintage Handcrafted Wood Letter Opener with Bird Design

This is a hand-carved wooden letter opener, most likely a mid-20th-century folk-art or souvenir piece, carved in the shape of a bird of prey, resembling an eagle, hawk, or raven depending on the carver’s intention. • Material: Hardwood • Carving style: The head is stylized with a curved beak and simple incised eye, which is typical of hand-carved folk pieces. The transition from the head to the “blade” is smooth and organic, showing hand-shaping rather than machine lines. • Blade: Long, tapered, and slightly uneven, another sign it was hand-shaped. • It’s not sharp but the point is cleanly refined. • Finish: The sheen suggests hand-oiling or waxing, likely aged over several decades. Origin possibilities These bird-head letter openers were made by artisans in: • West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone), often featuring birds or animals. • India (particularly Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh woodcarvers). • Mexico or Guatemala, known for hand-carved animal-themed tourist pieces. • Folk art from Europe (Carpathian region, Balkans), though the wood tone suggests something darker/exotic. Based on the wood colour and the carving style, West African or Indian origin is most likely, especially mid-century. Estimated age Judging by patina, subtle wear, and the way the wood has aged, probably 1950’s-1980’s. Length: 11.5”