Himsworth Sheffield scissor types (3)
Sheffield scissor types
An image showing some types of historical Sheffield scissors. Image taken from Himsworth (1953).
Name/Title
Himsworth Sheffield scissor types (3)Entry/Object ID
2025.6.24Tags
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: Winged - the ends of the shank taper away from the point at which they join the bows leading to distinct points. Double wing - the shanks split where they join the bows so that the bow nestles into the ends of the shanks, which finish with distinct points. Spanish - the upper part of each shank curves outwards and then folds back inwards resulting in an elliptical shape. Curl for wing Spanish - the ends of the shanks are elongated and curl in on themselves, resulting in a heart shape or a furled fern like shape under the bows. Fiddle joint - the base of the shank is distinct from the top of the blade where it joins rather than flowing into it seamlessly. Quaker - straight shanks which veer away from each other giving a 'V' shape.Category
Nomenclature