Amazing artistry. Very rare in this day and age (both artisans to do this and patrons who appreciate it enough to pay for it). My favorite is the letter opener, which shows not only wonderful aesthetics, but also ergonomic design that blends in gracefully. Art that is tactile as well as visual is rare indeed.
Who were the makers other than the Kelly and Hibben? That carved silver sheathed piece in the top photo caught my eye. The second photo top one reminds me of a fancy Larry Harley "Battle Bowie".
Letter opener? Good eye. That is the most amazing piece that we've ever seen of Larry's. The other one above the Hibben is Larry's as well.
That's my story and I am sticking with it. Much better for opening letters than exsanguination, with no guard, swell or suitable pommel.
I recognize the concern. Having handled the dagger, the heavily and intricately carved bolster and the ivory would be sufficient for keeping your hand off the blade. Ivory has a remarkably "sticky" surface unlike a lot of natural materials and the relief of the carved flowers face back towards the butt. Preventing sliding forward onto the blade was cleverly thought out.
Ah, I can see the point and the spine now too. OK, point taken! A thoughtful contrast to the standard dagger formula. Whose work?
Beauties there! I was thinking that looked like a Jim Ence piece. This is a little one we had of his:
