| The pictures below show several larger views of this Old Ipswich Hosiery Advertising Premium Enameled Brass Letter Opener. The letter opener is not dated but it is believed to be from the 1800s or early 1900s. In 1868, Amos A. Lawrence established the Ipswich Hosiery Mills beside the river in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It would expand into the largest stocking mill in the country by the turn of the 20th century. What may be the last witchcraft trial in North America was held in Ipswich in 1878. In the Ipswich witchcraft trial, a member of the Christian Science religion was accused of using his mental powers to harm others, including a spinster living in the town. This may account for the Witch on the company logo or emblem. On the handle area of the opener is a heavily enameled black hosiery or stocking leg. Over it is a dark blue enameled circle with an image of a full Moon with a red enameled Witch flying on a black stocking covered leg. It is simply marked as follows: IPSWICH HOSIERY The letter opener measures 1-1/16'' x 8-5/8''. It appears to be in good condition with over all wear from many years of use. The thick black enamel is chipped by the ankle of the larger stocking as pictured. | 
