Rare American Abalone and Nickel Canon City Prison Made Letter Opener related_ar7621-26 (1) back restored

(1) back restored

(1) The Amethyst Ring (1899)

encircled by a wide border of repousse flowers in relief

Note: good preowned vintage condition

Rare American Abalone and Nickel Canon City Prison Made Letter Opener related_ar7621-26 (1) back restoredDETAILS A scarce, vintage letter opener made at the Canon City Penitentiary in the early 20th century. In 1909, the new warden, Thomas Tynan began a program for the prisoners to occupy their time making crafts. Along with horse bits and spurs the inmates made small items such as button hooks, rings, and letter openers that could be sold in the prison gift store. It is a scarce piece of Colorado history. STYLE Western Folk Art PLACE OF ORIGIN United