Item 26-015 Scissor Event

This pair is particularly interesting because it carries a maker’s mark: “AUSSEL” stamped on the shank.

Aussel was a French maker associated with the cutlery and sewing-tool traditions of Nogent, in the Haute-Marne region of France. Nogent was one of the principal centres of French scissor and needlework tool production during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The style of these scissors is very French:

• Slender, elegant proportions - they are 9.5cm long. 

• Fine needlework points.

• Smooth forged handles without excessive decoration.

• Precision-ground blades.

These are characteristic of the sort of embroidery scissors sold through French merceries during the Belle Époque and early twentieth century.

These are almost certainly:

• Embroidery scissors.

• Whitework scissors.

• Lace-making scissors.

• Fine sewing scissors.

The narrow blades and sharp points were designed for precision thread cutting rather than general household use.

The condition appears quite good:

• Maker’s mark remains legible.

• Original screw pivot present.

• Blade tips intact.

• Minimal corrosion.

• Good overall alignment.

DATE- 

Based on both the style and the AUSSEL mark, we would estimate:

c. 1890–1925