What were antique grape shears used for?

Popularised during the 18th and 19th centuries, grape shears are specialised dining utensils designed to snip small portions of grapes from a larger cluster without damaging the remaining fruit.

What materials were traditionally used to construct Georgian grape shears?

Georgian grape shears were crafted from solid sterling silver and frequently finished with a layer of gold gilding (vermeil) to protect the metal from corrosive fruit acids.

How do you identify authentic Georgian silver grape shears?

Authentic British pieces feature stamped hallmarks, including the lion passant mark for sterling silver, a makers mark, a town mark such as Londons leopard head, and a specific date letter code.

How can antique grape shears be styled in a modern interior?

These historical accessories can be displayed on a dining sideboard, integrated into a formal table setting alongside fruit servers, or presented inside a glass cabinet with other antique metalwork.

How should silver gilt grape shears be cleaned and preserved?

Gently wash the shears by hand using warm water and a mild detergent, followed by thorough drying with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive chemical polishes that can wear down the delicate surface layer of gold gilding.

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Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

Name: Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1021395
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this spectacular Georgian solid silver grape scissors/shears made in London in 1830 with the marks of Jonathan Hayne.

Fitted and remaining together with its original case, this magnificent pair presents some of the finest and most desirable features of fine Georgian silversmithing.

The entire surface is silver gilt, immediately elevating its splendour upon a quick glance. With further inspection of the details, its intricacy, design and craftsmanship can be truly appreciated.

The handles both feature a wonderful cast vine design with large foliate and grape motifs in between to accent and appropriately match its intended use. The finely stippled handles and joints between each motif are of a naturalistic and lifelike stem design.

The reverse side is equally matched and embellished - a sign that no costs have been cut in the making of this quality piece.

Whilst this pair would make for a wonderful addition to a dining interior decor purely for display purposes, such shears/scissors can still be practically used today to opulently separate large bunches of grapes.

Whilst impressive in its own right, this pair would most certainly complement other fine antiques and can be truly appreciated upon use in a fine dining setting.

A set of English hallmarks are present on the inner sides of the blades of the scissors.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

SIZE

Size (cm) L:17cm W:5.5cm

Size (inches) L:6.69 H:2.16

Weight: 127 grams (4.08 Troy oz) total.

CONDITION

Excellent Condition - This pair is in excellent antique condition with no issues or damage other than very minor surface wear as expected with age. The blades are sharp and cut through normal grapevines/stems (please note it will cut best towards the tip of the blades).

The original fitted box is quite worn and shows signs of age.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated these Silver Gilt Grape Shears to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1021395

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this spectacular Georgian solid silver grape scissors/shears made in London in 1830 with the marks of Jonathan Hayne.

“

Fitted and remaining together with its original case, this magnificent pair presents some of the finest and most desirable features of fine Georgian silversmithing.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 1. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

The entire surface is silver gilt, immediately elevating its splendour upon a quick glance. With further inspection of the details, its intricacy, design and craftsmanship can be truly appreciated.

The handles both feature a wonderful cast vine design with large foliate and grape motifs in between to accent and appropriately match its intended use. The finely stippled handles and joints between each motif are of a naturalistic and lifelike stem design.

fig 2. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 2. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

The reverse side is equally matched and embellished - a sign that no costs have been cut in the making of this quality piece.

Whilst this pair would make for a wonderful addition to a dining interior decor purely for display purposes, such shears/scissors can still be practically used today to opulently separate large bunches of grapes.

fig 3. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 3. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

Whilst impressive in its own right, this pair would most certainly complement other fine antiques and can be truly appreciated upon use in a fine dining setting.

A set of English hallmarks are present on the inner sides of the blades of the scissors.

fig 4. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 4. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

SIZE

Size (cm) L:17cm W:5.5cm

Size (inches) L:6.69 H:2.16

Weight: 127 grams (4.08 Troy oz) total.

fig 5. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 5. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

CONDITION

Excellent Condition - This pair is in excellent antique condition with no issues or damage other than very minor surface wear as expected with age. The blades are sharp and cut through normal grapevines/stems (please note it will cut best towards the tip of the blades).

fig 6. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 6. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

The original fitted box is quite worn and shows signs of age.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

fig 7. A pair of Georgian solid silver gilt grape shears featuring cast grapevine handle motifs. — fig 7. Antique Georgian Solid Silver Gilt Grape Shears/scissors with Magnificent Vines - London 1830

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.