A silver plate letter opener with a prancing horse handle.  This well executed study has a real hand drawn feel to it.  The design would have likely been hand cut out of the brass, and then the details on the horse would have been hand engraved into the handle.  

The letter opener was made for the French luxury atelier, Hermès.  There has always been, and remains a strong equestrian theme to much of what Hermès make and design.  Their roots are engrained in the horse world, whether it be actual riding tack and equipment to their home goods or jewellery.  This piece very much embodies that. There is even a slight nod to the iconic Ferrari 'Cavallino Rampante'.

The reverse of the letter opener signed "Hermès Paris" along with the maker mark for Ravinet D'Enfert, along with "Made in France".  D'Enfert made the majority of the larger homeware pieces for Hermès in the mid to late part of the 20th Century.  It is presented in superb condition.  Made in France, circa 1980's.