Designer: Carl Auböck II (1900 – 1957)

Item: Brass and Leather Letter Opener Model 4233

Manufactured by: Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Country of origin: Austria

Year made: Ca. 1950s

Materials: Brass and leather

Dimensions: 10” x 1 1/8” x ½”

Condition: Very good.

References: Kois, Clemens, Carl Auböck: The Workshop, Powerhouse Books (2012); Wright Auction Catalog; The Workshop: Carl Auböck Designs 1930-1980 (2016); Auböck, Carl IV, die kataloge der werkstätte carl auböck 1925 – 1975, Carl Auböck Archive (2005); Auböck, Carl IV, die arbeiten der Werkstätte carl auböck – fotografiert von 1948 – 2005, Carl Auböck Archive (2009).

Description: This is a heavy and extremely well made object that feels amazing in your hands. It really is a design masterpiece by Auböck. With the subtle indented curvature and smooth lines, this letter opener is one of the finest designs for a letter opener we have ever seen. It is heavy, well made and retains a beautiful patina on the brass and the leather. This examples bears the correct impressed Made in Austria marking at the end of the handle, demonstrating its vintage age.