Antique Silver Table Utensils Of A By-Gone Era

One of the delights of antique silver is finding items that were once considered de rigueur at any well-appointed table, like grape shears. These beautifully crafted antique sterling silver scissors were used to daintily nip off small bunches of grapes at dinner parties. When you're trading witty conversation with the duke or countess at your side, why paw at a cluster of glistening cluster of Red Globes or Muscats when you can snack in style? Grape shears were typically placed beside a bowl or board of the fruit, allowing guests to scissor off small portions. At Nelson and Nelson, we love the ornate decorative styles that the finest antique silver grape shears feature.



These sterling silver grape shears, circa 1910, portray a large head of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. The hallmarked sterling handles are adorned with floral buds and leaves, while the cutting blade is stainless steel.For more information, click here.



These circa 1910 Art Nouveau grape shears feature extra-heavy cast-silver handles that are intricately decorated with flowers, leaves, and scrolls. In excellent condition, they are hallmarked with the Reed and Barton symbol and marked sterling. For more information, click here.



What's a fancy pair of grape shears without the appropriate accompanying grape dish? This American sterling silver figural grape leaf dish was made by Redlich circa 1890. It is is beautifully formed, and features the delicate veins of a grape leaf. A looped grape vine emanating from the leaf serves as the grape shear holder. The dish is fully hallmarked with a nice patina, and is in excellent condition. For more information, click here.