George IV Antique Sterling Silver Grape Shears by John Reily, London, 1823/24

These magnificent grape shears are the finest we have had the pleasure to offer. The quality and condition are spectacular. They are designed so that the handles rest flat on the table with the blades slightly raised and are an easier angle for cutting.

The handles are exceptional on both the front and the back. The castings are of excellent quality and design with dense bunches of grapes interspersed amongst grape leaves. The finger loops are designed as grapevines with miniature leaves and grapes. Above the loops poking through the grapevines are the faces of a bacchic reveler and a jester, symbolizing hospitality and entertainment.

The underside of one of the blades is engraved with the crest of a lion's head over a coronet. Iron was used for the pivotal screw often due to the strength of iron versus silver, as is the case with these scissors. An applied floret encircles the screw on the front.

Due to their fragile form, many grape shears have not survived the test of time and these are a very uncommon and remarkable period example of the form.

These rare grape shears are fully hallmarked on the interior of the blades. They measure 6.75 inches long, weigh 3.95 troy ounces and are in excellent antique condition.