Antique French Bronze Letter Openers Pair, Art Nouveau c1900

A pair of antique French bronze letter openers (paper knives) from around 1900, the Belle Époque and Art Nouveau period. Both are cast bronze with finely detailed handles and original aged patina. 1. Pheasant letter opener, signed "A. MARIONNET" By Albert Marionnet (1852–1910), a respected Paris maker of decorative bronzes known for nature-themed desk pieces such as inkwells, trays and letter openers. The handle shows a pheasant with spread wings, its long tail feathers flowing down the blade. The signature is clearly cast into the blade. 2. Eagle letter opener, signed "A. V…" in script A dramatic eagle with raised wings, perched on an oak branch, with crisp detail in the feathers and talons. The script signature is cast into the blade below the handle. This one is French, c.1900, with the artist unconfirmed. Dimensions • Pheasant: 12" long • Eagle: 12.5" long Both are larger than many letter openers of the period, giving them real presence on a desk. Condition: Good antique condition with honest age. The original patina is intact, with natural verdigris (green) in the recesses of both handles. The Marionnet has a small spot of old red residue near the signature. The eagle has a small dark corrosion spot on the lower blade. Both show light surface wear and patina variation consistent with age. Neither has been polished, and there are no repairs, breaks or bends. Please see all photos, as they form part of the description.