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Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830
Sold by Artisan Antiques
sold SA1029179
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques

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Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

18th century
Sold 27 November 2024 · Artisan Antiques
This “Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830” found a buyer.

It was listed by Artisan Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

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

Whilst ordinary silver grape shears of this period would normally be quite plain (and beautiful in their own right), this pair is quite the contrary and features the finest and most fitting decorations of vine leaves and bacchic figural masks. The figures are likely Bacchus/Dionysus and Bacchante/Maenad (Roman/Greek counterpart names) - the mythological god of wine-making and his female followers.

The handles of this pair have been profusely embellished with an exceptional level of detailing and craftsmanship. Despite the article being relatively modest in comparison to objects such as a large centrepiece, no costs have been cut and presents the level of craftsmanship that one would expect on only the finest pieces.

It is perhaps this juxtaposition of the level of intricacy for such a simple object that makes for a particularly delightful and collectable piece of silverware. The manner in which both sides are covered in vine leaves and grapes, yet one small section seamlessly blends in two sculpture-like figural faces that accentuate the overall Bacchic design.

Furthermore, even the two looped handles are decorated with fine foliate terminals and a section of stippled and reeded bands. Such shears/scissors can still be practically used in the modern day to opulently separate large bunches of grapes on your dining table and to further elevate the splendour of your interior decor. 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. The date mark is indistinct however the age of this is c.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:16cm W:6cm

Size (inches) L:6.29 W:2.36

Weight: 104 grams (3.35 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.

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) -

Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1029179
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 with the marks of William Theobalds.

Whilst ordinary silver grape shears of this period would normally be quite plain (and beautiful in their own right), this pair is quite the contrary and features the finest and most fitting decorations of vine leaves and bacchic figural masks.

“
The figures are likely Bacchus/Dionysus and Bacchante/Maenad (Roman/Greek counterpart names) - the mythological god of wine-making and his female followers.
Artisan Antiques
fig 1. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 1. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

The handles of this pair have been profusely embellished with an exceptional level of detailing and craftsmanship. Despite the article being relatively modest in comparison to objects such as a large centrepiece, no costs have been cut and presents the level of craftsmanship that one would expect on only the finest pieces.

fig 2. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 2. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

It is perhaps this juxtaposition of the level of intricacy for such a simple object that makes for a particularly delightful and collectable piece of silverware. The manner in which both sides are covered in vine leaves and grapes, yet one small section seamlessly blends in two sculpture-like figural faces that accentuate the overall Bacchic design.

fig 3. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 3. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

Furthermore, even the two looped handles are decorated with fine foliate terminals and a section of stippled and reeded bands. Such shears/scissors can still be practically used in the modern day to opulently separate large bunches of grapes on your dining table and to further elevate the splendour of your interior decor. 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.

fig 4. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 4. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

A set of English hallmarks are present on the inner sides of the blades of the scissors. The date mark is indistinct however the age of this is c.1830.

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

fig 5. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 5. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

SIZE

Size (cm) L:16cm W:6cm

Size (inches) L:6.29 W:2.36

Weight: 104 grams (3.35 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.

fig 6. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 6. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

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.

fig 7. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 7. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

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.

fig 8. Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
fig 8. Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

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) -

Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1029179
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artisan Antiques Profile Page

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Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London C.1830

Archive II Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View II
Archive III Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View III
Archive IV Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View IV
Archive V Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View V
Archive VI Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View VI
Archive VII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View VII
Archive VIII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View VIII
Archive IX Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View IX
Archive X Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View X
Archive XI Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XI
Archive XII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XII
Archive XIII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XIII
Archive XIV Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XIV
Archive XV Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XV
Archive XVI Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XVI
Archive XVII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XVII
Archive XVIII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XVIII
Archive XIX Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XIX
Archive XX Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XX
Archive XXI Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXI
Archive XXII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXII
Archive XXIII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXIII
Archive XXIV Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXIV
Archive XXV Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXV
Archive XXVI Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXVI
Archive XXVII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXVII
Archive XXVIII Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXVIII
Archive XXIX Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXIX
Archive XXX Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXX
Archive XXXI Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles. View XXXI
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Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
Magnificent Antique Georgian Solid Silver Grape Scissors/Shears with Figural Bacchanalia Masks - London c.1830
Ref: SA1029179
Close-up of ornate antique sterling silver grape shears featuring chased leaf and vine decoration with figural bacchanalian mask handles.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCutlery
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialSterling Silver
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsGrapevine relief, Bacchanalian masks, Chased foliage, Cast handles

Grape shears gained popularity during the Georgian and Victorian eras as specialized dining implements designed for cutting clusters of grapes cleanly at the table, preventing damage to the fruit and maintaining formal dining etiquette.

These utensils were typically crafted from solid sterling silver using casting, chasing, and hand-engraving techniques, often featuring intricate figural motifs and naturalistic plant designs.

Authentic pieces are identified through British hallmark stamps indicating the assay office, standard mark, date letter, and makers mark, alongside traditional hand-wrought construction details and period-appropriate wear patterns.

These pieces can be displayed on decorative silver trays, within glass-fronted cabinets, or styled on dining sideboards as points of historical interest and textural contrast.

Antique silver requires gentle cleaning with specialized silver cloths to maintain the natural patina, avoiding harsh chemical dips that can damage intricate chased details and hallmarks.
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