Scissors in Art: The Portrait of Allethenia Fisk Farrar (1835)

-

Allethania Fisk Farrar (1834-1835) was the subject of a portrait by Asahel Power, an accomplished folk artist (as was Eliza Ann Farrar). As an admirable wife she is portrayed with the tool of sewing and needlework.

Prominently shown are a pair of scissors attached by a chain to the lady's belt in the style of a chatelaine.

#63: Wick Trimmer

Maker: WB Barnard
Model: Candle Trimmer
Materials: --
Year: post 1864
Length: 5"
Value: $15
Marked: WB Barnard Patn Dec 27th1864

Wick trimmers were use to keep oil lamp wicks at the best length of good burning.  This design is not uncommon.

Vintage Garden Shears

Now for a change of pace, a couple of pairs of garden shears that I picked up for $1 each.  Both are about 12 inches long.

The bottom pair with red handles is Wiss. Probably #700 Wiss Clippers. This basic design was made over quite a long period.

The top pair look like Dunlaps.

Market value is probably about $5 each.