208. CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION LETTER OPENER A beautiful, ornately-carved wooden letter opener, 10" long overall, with a small curved black antler at one end and the wood carved with initials "R I G I" beside the open mouth of a fanciful creature of some sort. The letter opener bears an ink presentation inscription in a miniscule hand from one "J. W. Page" (the balance of the writing is simply too tiny to make out!), presenting the opener to: "Surgeon Wm. A. Smith" 'Dickinson Guards' N.Y. 89th V. New Berne, N. Ca. May 6, 1862". In excellent condition. The 89th N.Y. had heavy losses at Fredericksburg and before Petersburg. Smith, who enlisted on Dec. 4, 1861, would be wounded at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863 but remained in the service until Aug. 30, 1865. $400 - 600