Item 26-013 Scissor Event

DATE- c. 1870–1900, possibly extending into the first decade of the twentieth century. Features suggesting this date include:

• Hand-forged appearance.

• Broad spear-point blades.

• Simple slotted screw pivot.

• Turned decoration on the shanks.

• Traditional oval finger loops.

• Lack of machine-stamped ornamentation.

The construction is typical of practical sewing scissors made before mass-produced decorative patterns became widespread.

The shape is very similar to many Sheffield-made sewing scissors that were sold throughout Britain, Australia, and the wider Empire in the late nineteenth century.

These would likely have been used for:

• General sewing.

• Dressmaking.

• Needlework.

• Household textile tasks.

The blades are thicker and broader than those of dedicated embroidery scissors, making them more of an all-purpose sewing tool.

This pair which is 15.5cm long shows:

• Heavy age patina.

• Surface oxidation.

• Original screw pivot intact.

• No obvious breaks.

• Blade tips appear complete.

The dark untouched surface suggests they have not been aggressively cleaned, which many collectors prefer.