Bressant Clippers Appraisal

Vintage Brown & Sharpe Bressant Manual Hair Clippers

This is a pair of vintage hand-operated manual hair clippers, a classic barbering tool used prior to the ubiquity of electric trimmers. The item is constructed from high-quality nickel-plated steel or chrome-finished metal, featuring two long, ergonomic handles designed to be squeezed by the hand to actuate the cutting blades. The tool is clearly marked on the handle with 'BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. INC. EAST GREENWICH, R.I.' and the trade name 'BRESSANT' inside the United States of America. These clippers date approximately from the early to mid-20th century. Physically, the item shows signs of significant age and use, characterized by surface scratches, some plating loss, and a natural aged patina typical of vintage steel tools. The mechanical cutting head consists of two precision-ground comb-like blades held together by a central adjustment wing nut, which allows the user to regulate the tension between the plates. The craftsmanship is indicative of industrial-era manufacturing with robust forging and clear, stamped typography. Despite the surface wear, the structural integrity remains solid, though the blades likely require sharpening for functional use. This represents a piece of Americana from a renowned Rhode Island manufacturer known for precision engineering.