Record

Souvenir letter opener, with view of Brighton

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probably made in Mauchline, Ayrshire

Postcard of Souvenir letter opener, with view of Brighton.
000-180-001-999-C
© National Museums Scotland

Souvenir letter opener, with view of Brighton

This souvenir letter opener was probably produced by the firm of W & A Smith in Mauchline in Ayrshire. Made of varnished sycamore, it dates from the late 19th century.

The top surface of the letter opener has been transfer printed with a view of 'THE WEST PIER AND BEACH, BRIGHTON'.

The firm of W & A Smith is said to have started in the early 1820s. Initially they made snuff boxes and razor strops (straps for sharpening razors). By 1841 they were selling tartan souvenir wares and in 1850 they published their 'Authenticated Tartans of the Clans and Families of Scotland'. This publication not only provided critical authority for 69 different tartans but also publicised Smith's technique for printing tartan on their wares.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-180-001-999-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1998.470
Date: c. 1860
Late 19th century
Material: Sycamore; varnished; transfer-printed
Dimensions:
What: Letter opener / page turner / souvenir
Subject:
Who: W. and A. Smith, Mauchline, Ayrshire (Maker)
Where: England, Sussex, Brighton (West Pier / beach)
Scotland, Ayrshire, Mauchline
Event:
Description: Souvenir letter-opener or page-turner in varnished, transfer-printed sycamore showing the West Pier and Beach, Brighton: Scottish, Ayrshire, by W. and A. Smith, Mauchline, c. 1860 - 1910
References:
  • Evans, G. Souvenirs From Roman Times to the Present Day. Edinburgh: NMS Publishing Ltd, 1999, pp 47-8. 
Translations:
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