Expert: Irene Schwall - 1/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have an old pair of witch scissors.  They measure 3 1/2 inches long and have the number 17 stamped inside.  The few I have seen on the internet all have made in Germany on them and are 4 inches long.  I have sent a photo.  Can you identify the age and maker or give me any information on them.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Hello Cresta,
Thank you for your query and for providing me with a photo.
Before answering your question, I need a bit more information.  Can you please tell me all of the markings on your scissors.  You mention the No. 17 but that is it.  There should also be other marks in the middle of the scissors when you separate the blades.
I look forward to helping you.
Regards,
Irene


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response Irene.  
There are no other marks on the scissors.  I have taken a magnifying glass to them and cannot find a thing.  The number 17 is stamped into the scissors, it is not an ink stamp but rather looks like the numbers were punched into the metal, they are slightly out of alignment.  The number 17 stamp is on the inside of the scissors when they are open.  I wish it had the Germany mark but unfortunately it does not.

Kreta

Answer
Hello Kreta,
Thanks for checking the scissors for additional markings. Unfortunately without a maker's mark it is impossible to say who made the scissors or in what country.
As you have noted, most of the Witch Scissors are stamped Germany and many also have a maker's mark on them.  So far I have seen different numbers punched into the metal. I am not entirely sure what these numbers represent but in discussion with other collectors we have a suspicion that the blades were made in either Sheffield, England or Germany and we base this on the quality of the steel. The American market was not set up to tool scissors in the 1800's and they imported the blades from England and Germany and then added the ornate bows (handles) to the blades.
The Witch Scissors are more commonly known as the Salem Witch Scissors and an American company called Daniel Low, of Salem, MA began to make all sorts of witch items (not only sewing) to commemorate the Salem witch trials in the 1800's.  Daniel Low registered a souvenir spoon design in early 1891 and subsequent manufacturers were commissioned to make other witch design souvenirs for Daniel Low.
The Salem witch scissors are very collectible.
Regards,
Irene