Has anyone,any idea what this scissor like utensil is used for? It is just under 17cm long & it doesn't even cut paper ,not surprising as the edges are not sharp.

After further investigation there are two other possibilities....
the first two images are listed as antique embroidery scissors;
the 3rd and 4th images are listed as Victorian Grape scissors..... note the similarity of the blades......

Now I have no idea how they Victorian Brits would have used grape scissors or why embroidery scissors wouldn't be sharpened, so I can only think yours have dulled over time or perhaps they are grape scissors?????
Oh and I personally think the scissors in picture one are probably grape scissors, judging by the lavish engraving. :-)

4 images:[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]

2 comments

by killiecrankie 30 Apr 2018

Thank you for the info.Your photos look like they are good quality hallmarked silver items ,mine is definitely el cheapo.
I can pick up pencils successfully with them ,so I thought they might have something to with asparagus but asparagus thongs are a cross between tweezers & sugars thongs in shape.Also paper ,fabric & other small thin things can be picked up.Wondered if they were picking something hot up.
The right side in photo 2 could be sharpened on the under side.
If I used them to cut grapes from the stem.,the grapes would be squashed instantly.

by meganne 30 Apr 2018

Now I could be wrong, but I think the Victorian Brits may have picked up and held the grapes, in small bunches, using the grape scissors and delicately picked off individual grapes from the stems, (with their mouth), while holding them with the scissors. The Victorians were known for their "over the top" elegance. :-)))
I just grab grapes by the bunch in my hand and eat them. LOL!!!

They look very much like vintage French scissors, possibly even for hairdressing.
The blades look like they have an edge to them, have you ever tried sharpening them?

I have purchased many vintage scissors that are so well used they are completely dull, until I put my sharpening skills to use on them, only the worst quality steel can't be brought back into use.

Just a suggestion.
hugs n roses, Meganne

Could it be a type of Pliers for Jewellery making?

1 comment

by killiecrankie 30 Apr 2018

Good suggestion but normal pliers would be easier to use

Thanks for posting this. I have a pair of scissors similar to this and about all they are good for is grabbing things...except thread!

I would say some sort f medical tool

1 comment

by killiecrankie 26 Apr 2018

Thank you.I don't think it is a medical instrument because it has a engraved design on the front & the metal isn't of a high quality

It looks somewhat like a hemostat. If it can grab hold of something, it could possibly be inserted in something narrow to turn it inside out or vice-versa.

2 comments

by gerryvb 25 Apr 2018

that's what I thought too :)

by killiecrankie 26 Apr 2018

Thank you .I will try your suggestion out