Expert: Irene Schwall - 10/23/2011

Question
Hello,
I am trying to find any information or history on a pair of German made shears that I own.  They are marked with ADOLF MENZ WWE.  They do not look like a sewing scissor, but I am hoping you may know more about them or steer me in the right direction.  The only information I am able to find is about corkscrews with the same stamp.  

I have photos of the shears in open and closed positions, and will attempt to send them.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Shari,
The photos that you have attached are of poultry shears.  These have nothing to do with sewing.  The poultry shears are used for cutting through the bone joints of a cooked chicken for example. The clasp at the back is to hold the blades together for storage.
As far as the maker is concerned, I don't have any information on hand for Adolf Menz, sorry.  Obviously it is a German company and I am guessing that they made the steel blades for these shears.  I will try my best to source some information for you if I can.
Regards,
Irene

Hello Shari,
A bit more on this company:
The company Adolf Menz Wwe (Wwe means widow!) was in Benshausen/Thüringen (after 1945 it was in the GDR).  A friend in Germany provided me with these details. He is going to contact a museum to see if there is any other information available.
Regards.
Irene