Silver letter opener, the handle of which reproduces the remaining upper part of a sock needle, its finial shaped like a double-faced woman’s head. The maker’s imprint is too worn to be readable. Similar artefacts, such as needle cases, were sewn on festive dresses as ornaments in 19th century Italy, while some are known to have originated in the Ionian Islands, probably as accessories of traditional local women’s costumes.
Donated by Eleni Stathatou