A wierd little guy. Can you identify.

[Mossdancer]

Hi;
It is made by a company called NUMAX no country of origin, The handles ar MOP I think. Can anyone enlighten me. About 7" overall. J missed a post.
W.B.

[Mossdancer]

For anyone interested. I finally found answer. They were from originally the renaissance called a bodice scissor dagger.
W.B.

[smiling-knife]

Hi Mossdancer. Very interesting scissors/knife there. I tried but did not find anything following your original post. Possibly a repro of one from the renaissance era or do you think an original. Looks about late 1800s to me? Do you have any other info? s-k

[El Lobo]

Obviously used by the Ladies of the period, for "Cutting" in when someone was dancing too long/closely with their paramour.




Bill

[CCBill]

Thought this might be good to go along with yours. The Queen peanut is for size comparison.
...CCBill...

Mossdancer, I think your scissors are known as "prostitute scissors". Alas, mine were probably just part of some little old Ladie's sewing box. Just don't seem fair, somehow...

[9ball]

"Prostitute Scissors" I do not know if that is that exact term, but that is what they are.
Nice piece of History you have there W.B.

9ball

[CCBill]

Mossdancer...
My understanding of why your scissors are known as "prostitute scissors" is, that prostitutes carried them as a defense weapon. They could be used just like a dagger, if need be. The Police were more likely to view them as a tool for a seamstress, rather than a weapon.
I hope that somebody can come up with the full story on them.
A pair comes up on freebay, every once in a while and they usually sell for a good price($125-$150).
I THINK that most of them were made in England, but I may be wrong.
...CCBill...

[9ball]

Folks,
That is about what I know about them. I was reading something about them awhile back, but I cannot remember where. If I find it I will post it here.
I am almost postive they were Victorian period though.

That is a neat little pair of sissors also CCBill, I do not belive I have ever seen any of those before.

9ball