Victorian Silver Plated Grape Shears

This item is a pair of Victorian-era grape shears, a specialized dining tool designed for neatly snipping small clusters of grapes from a larger bunch during formal service. The shears feature a highly ornate and decorative handle assembly characterized by an intricate openwork or pierced scroll and foliate design. The handles are cast in an elegant, curvilinear shape with integrated finger loops. The pivot point is accented with a circular medallion featuring a radial pattern. The blades are blunt-tipped and narrow, typical of grape shears to prevent piercing the fruit. Based on the lustrous sheen and the visible dark oxidation in the crevices, the material appears to be silver-plated brass or nickel silver. The item is presented in its original fitted presentation case, which is lined with a deep plum or burgundy silk velvet. The case shows significant signs of age, including fading and wear to the fabric where the tool rests. The shears themselves show some surface patination and minor tarnish consistent with use and age, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The craftsmanship reflects the high Victorian aesthetic for specialized functional art in domestic dining.

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