The scissors bear the mark J.A. Henkels Zwillingswerk Solingen. There is no manufacturer's mark on the letter opener. However it is possible that it belongs to the same desk set as the scissors.

The inscription on the letter opener 'Blyth 1917' suggests that this, and possibly the scissors, were given to Reid by Lord Blyth in 1917. Blyth arranged a dinner for Reid on the eve of the latter's lecture tour of the United States in which he attempted to shore up U.S. support for the war.

Desk set (two-piece), consisting of a letter opener and scissors, belonging to Sir George Reid, silver plate/gold plate, J A Henckels, Zwillingswerk, Solingen, Germany, [1917]
The letter opener has a long, thin, plain blade with a round end. One side bears the inscription 'Blyth/ Oct. 1917'. The patterned handle is decorated with floral motifs within ornate curved elements, and shows the remains of gold plating. The end of the knife is a gold plated palmette. The scissors appear to be part of the same desk set, and have floral patterned handles with similar gold plating.
(-1) Letter opener
(-2) Scissors

Made: J A Henckels; Solingen, Germany; 1917


Used: Reid, George; Australia

Owned: Reid, George; Australia

See parts

97/232/7

1917