Letter opener Gustav Gurschner K.K. Kunst-Erzgießerei Wien ca. 19005

Among Jugendstil-collectors, Gustav Gurschner is best known for his bronze sculptures and objects with secessionist decoration. On this large letter opener, the frontside of the shaft is decorated with a Roman legionary. Gurschner draws the figure of the standing soldier in profile, finely working out its details like the helmet.
The centerpiece is his protective shield and is adorned with green gemstones. The Celtic motifs, typical of Gurschner, are not to be missed here. The warlike decoration underlines the martial, almost dagger-like size of the letter opener. On the reverse are secessionist ornaments and the artist’s signature.