Item 26-020 Scissor Event

The mark appears to read: “L. HUNAULT” with “CIS. FT.” or “CIS. FT” beneath. This is a classic French cutler’s mark. The abbreviation “CIS.” is commonly understood as short for ciseleur or ciseaux (scissors), while “FT.” is often an abbreviation for fait (“made by”). So the mark essentially identifies the maker: L. Hunault, maker of scissors. These scissors are almost certainly from Nogent, France, one of the great centres of French cutlery and sewing-tool manufacture. The polished finish, forged shanks and precision blades suggest these were quality embroidery or sewing scissors rather than mass-produced household scissors used for: • Embroidery scissors • Whitework scissors • Fine sewing scissors The fine points are designed for precision thread clipping. DATE: c. 1880–1910 Based on: • The maker’s mark style, • The forged construction, • The decorative triple-ring collars, • The screw pivot