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Scissors case and scissors

The case: silver. The scissors: silver and steel

Origin: Probably France

Date: Late 17th century

8. 3 cm length of case

Bequeathed by C.D.E. Fortnum, 1899; WA1899.CDEF.V413

T. Schroder (2009), no. 567

The French inscriptions translate, 'Only death separates us' and 'Rather die than change'. Elegant cases for scissors were a common ladies' accessory and were designed to be hung from a belt or girdle.

Information derived from T. Schroder, British and Continental Gold and Silver in the Ashmolean (2009)