The silver sword-shaped letter opener is a symbol of hope for the reunion of the Balicki family. Joseph finds it in the ruins of their home and gives it to Jan in the hopes that the young orphan might encounter his children. When Ruth sees the sword, she makes the connection between Jan and Joseph, which jogs Jan’s memory that Joseph has gone to Switzerland. This information initiates the main action of the plot, whereby Ruth, Edek, Jan, and Bronia travel from Poland through Germany, and, finally, to Switzerland.

The importance of the sword as a talisman for the children is illustrated when Jan decides to return to the Wolffs’ farm when it is left behind: “we’ll never find your father either. He gave me the sword and it’s our guide and lifeline. We can’t do without it” (85). The sword is pivotal in allowing the family to be reconnected in the camp on the Swiss border; the ITA uses it to confirm the children’s identity based on the information in Kurt’s and Joseph’s letters. This enables the children to cross into Switzerland, where they are finally reunited with Joseph and Margrit.