Eley & Fearn Silver-gilt Vine Grape Scissors, 1818

These are a superb pair of Regency period silver-gilt grape scissors made by the important partnership of Eley & Fearn.

The handles of these grape shears are beautifully decorated with a vine tendril terminating in an abundance of leaves and grapes. They are gilt all over in a lovely mellow, yellow gold wash and remain in excellent condition.

 Eley & Fearn lead the way in making silver grape scissors during the early years of the 19th century. Their distinctive feature being the flush, central steel pin to lock both sections together and provide a strong cutting action - remember grape shears are intended for elegantly trimming individual grapes, not cutting thick stems!

These are a fine late George III period example of their type with the London hallmarks spread on both arms either side of the central pivot.