Napoleon letter opener Stanhope viewer

Antique Stanhope viewer of Napoleon Bonaparte shaped as a paper knife, sword or letter opener with enrgaved silver plated blade. Purely ornamental and in very good original condition this gorgeous quality paper knife or letter opener with ornate neoclassical handle in the shape of Napoleon Bonaparte in his traditional bicorn hat . He stands above an Imperial French eagle attached to the delicate engraved blade. The Stanhope is the small glass lense tube attached at the hilt and is a miniature photographic viewer. They are usually very small and discreet and were made from the 1860's onwards