Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 10/20/2008

Question
I just found an old pair of scissors.  They're about 4 inches long and the blade is curved slightly.  It says Germany on the bottom, and until I get a better magnifier I cannot read the small number on the top.  The loops of the scissors are very elaborate molded with the number 1447 on the left top ridge and two women with flowing hair going down each side to where the scissors meets in the middle.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  I have lion's tail scissors and stork ones and cheap straight Chinese ones, but have never seen anything like these.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Ellen.  During Victorian times, scissors were quite ornate as pieces in sewing kits and work boxes.  Scissors were also quite decorated as parts of a woman's chatelaine.  Your scissors may have been from one of these sets.  Your pair was made in Germany.  Barbara