Brief description: Ivory paper knife owned by Charles Dickens
Label: Paper-knives were for prising open sealed envelopes without tearing the paper (especially important if the 'envelope' was actually the letter itself folded over). This knife was used by Dickens at his final home in Gad's Hill Place in Kent. It can be seen on the desk in The Empty Chair, which depicted Dickens's study after he died. After his death it was gifted to his servant, Isaac Armatage.
Collection: Object
Object number: DH130
Object type: paper knife
Production date: 1860-1870

Ivory paper knife