Images(3)

Bench Shears

Date1790-1820

Maker Abraham Greaves

Maker George Greaves

OriginEngland, Sheffield

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 21" Length of cutting edges: 4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase through the generosity of an Anonymous Donor

Object number2011-122

DescriptionBench Shears, small type with rounded jaws and short bench tang.
Label TextWhile the tinsmith would use a scissors-like hand shear to cut small pieces of tin, for larger cuts he would turn to the bench shears. Based on the same principal as the smaller version, this shear was mounted on a work bench or stump, and allowed the operator to put much more force into the cut, while offering good control.

The lower handle has a downward-pointing tang which fits into a hole in the workbench or stump. A similar projection at the end of the top handle acted as a stop, bearing on the lower one and preventing the used from crushing his knuckles.

These tools were made in a number of different sizes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and this example falls in the smaller category of the range. Made by the firm of Abraham and George Greaves of Sheffield, England, one cutting jaw bears his last name while the other is deeply struck with the word "GAMBIA," his registered trademark.