Unusual Antique Deer's Foot Folding Letter Opener – Souvenir of Edinburgh Castle

Here on offer is an unusual antique deer's foot, folding letter opener. It appears to be a souvenir from Edinburgh Castle as the blade has hand written on it: FROM EDINBURGH CASTLE This is a very old example of a very rare type of large folding letter opener, of which I have only ever seen one other example. The deer's foot has lost all the fur covering to the skin, but retains all the keratin on the hoof. The blade appears to be made from a clear early celluloid/plastic that has slightly stained with age. A ribbed black plastic/Bakelite ferrule connects the hoof to the blade, with a steel pin. There is no maker's mark or name on the letter opener, but I know many of these deer's foot knives where made in Solingen, Germany, by W CLAUBERG. I therefore suspect this may have been made in Germany and sold through the Edinburgh Castle souvenir shop as a memento of a persons visit. The letter opener is in unused condition but is still in full working order, albeit the foot has lost its fur over the years. The blade measures 5.6” (14.3cm) long and the letter opener is 11.75” (30cm) in total length. It weighs 70g. Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description. Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.