Featured Sterling Silver, Bookmark?

Hello everyone,

Is this a bookmark? It's rather thick for a bookmark and has a little weight to it. It is monogrammed, marked Sterling with a hallmark and "53 A". It measures 6" long x 7/8" wide. I'm thinking it could also be something a mean teacher could use to rap a student's knuckles? Any ideas? Thank you!

 

Towle Silversmiths.

 

https://www.sterlingflatwarefashions.com/Silversmiths/SST4.html

 

VERY COOL!!! LOVE it!!!

 

It looks like a paper knife (right name?), to cut pages that hadn't been cut properly.

 

This article explains paper knives, and that they are often mistaken for page turners:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-mystery-of-the-phantom-page-turner/

 

Yes - I can see how that would work. The edges are tapered. And I have some antique books where the edges are not cut, so it must have been a common problem back then. Thanks, AJ!

 

You're welcome, I just hope I got it right.

 

It might be book weight too - to keep it open and flat without having to hold onto it. Possibly a page cutter too.

 

@NewEngland 's piece looks the same shape as a paper folder/creaser from AJ's article... is that what it is? The article indicates paper knives had handles (a distinguishing characteristic).
It's beautiful!

 

Very informative article! It says that paper knives were used to fold paper before placing in envelopes. Also says that page turners were basically the same as letter openers, and page turners were not really officially a "thing."

 

Ah, see, I should have read it properly. But that would have taken a few days. I'm glad you did though.