Letter opener with a horse's head. Hermès Paris / Ravinet d’Enfert. France, circa 1955.

Letter opener with a horse's head. HERMÈS PARIS / RAVINET D’ENFERT. France, circa 1955.
Gold-plated and silver-plated metal.
Marked “HERMÈS PARIS” and bearing the manufacturer’s hallmark.
In good condition. It has superficial scratches and a patina consistent with its age.
Measurements: 6 × 4.5 × 25 cm.

This refined desk accessory is a characteristic example of how Hermès translated its equestrian universe into everyday objects in the mid-20th century. The long, geometric body, with its great simplicity, is marked by its contrast with the horse’s head, which is modeled with special attention to the animal’s anatomy, mane, and expressiveness. The combination of gold and silver finishes further enhances the piece’s sculptural character.

The piece was crafted by Ravinet d’Enfert, a prestigious Parisian silversmithing house that collaborated with Hermès on various desk accessories. The Musée d’Orsay records the firm as having been active under this name between 1891 and 1984; it was founded by Louis Ravinet and Charles d’Enfert and produced a significant body of goldsmith work and metal objects.