Himsworth Sheffield scissor types (2)
Sheffield scissor types
An image showing some types of historical Sheffield scissors. Image taken from Himsworth (1953).
Name/Title
Himsworth Sheffield scissor types (2)Entry/Object ID
2025.6.23Tags
sheffield, scissors, shank, shanksDescription
This illustration is taken from Himsworth (1953) and accompanies some text giving the bow, shank, and blade names as used historically by manufacturers in Sheffield. Each of the shank types has been treated separately in various entries within the 'Shank Types' folder on this site; what follows here is an attempt to describe what is meant by each term based on the images provided: Square - it is not immediately clear from Himsworth, but from other sources it appears that Square refers to the shape of the cross section of the shank. Reverse shank - the shank joins the bows at their outer lower curve. Winged - the ends of the shank taper away from the point at which they join the bows leading to distinct points. Glass - it is not immediately clear from Himsworth, but from other sources it appears that Glass refers to the shape of the cross section of the shank. Spanish - the upper part of each shank curves outwards and then folds back inwards resulting in an elliptical shape. Neb - flattened beads appear somewhere on the shank design. Swamp - it is not immediately clear from Himsworth, but from other sources it appears that Swamp refers to a joint which curves outwards from the body.Category
Nomenclature