About the Item

"Letter opener of Berlin Wall steel"

Though some younger folks will not recognize a letter opener or remember the Berlin Wall, the fact that this letter opener was forged from reinforcing rod removed from the Berlin Wall when the wall between East and West Germany was demolished is significant. A small amount of that steel made its way to me through past Guild of Metalsmiths president, Douglas Johnson. Some of the rolled surface texture remains in the handle of the knife-shaped letter opener.

10.25" L x 2.125" W x .75" D letter opener (weighing about the right amount for a letter opener)

About the Artist

Thomas Latané constructed his first forge in a suburban Baltimore back yard while a high school student in 1972. Since 1983 Thomas and his wife Catherine have operated a shop in Pepin, WI, repairing antiques and producing their own work using historic design motifs from various traditions. His products tends to be smaller pieces incorporating ornamental filing and chasing. Locks are a particular interest. Thomas has demonstrated at nine ABANA conferences, eight with the Patient Order of Meticulous Metalsmiths. He was the 2013 Memphis Metal Museum's Master Metalsmith. Concentrating on historic hand techniques, Thomas has been more fascinated by what smiths were able to accomplish centuries ago than the potential of modern power equipment.

Shipping Information

Shipping costs are calculated at the end of the auction. Fees are determined by size and weight of items. Keep in mind that large or heavy items will incur higher shipping fees. Alternately, items may be picked up in person at the Metal Museum.