Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: lauver on December 03, 2014, 01:49:41 PM

Title: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: lauver on December 03, 2014, 01:49:41 PM

Gang,

I recently came across an interesting pair of scissors that I'm curious about... as in what are they intended to be used for?  Can anyone of shed any light on the intended purpose?

The scissors are branded Roberts (I believe these are R.J. Roberts) a German maker of scissors of many types.  The scissors are stamped  "Solingen, W. Germany" which gives a clue as to the approximate date of manufacturer, i.e. about 1946-1989.

Here's some photo's for your discerning eyeballs:

Overview and measurements...
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/RobertsScissor1_zpsda6c4f1f.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/RobertsScissor1_zpsda6c4f1f.jpg.html)

Brand & Logo...
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/RobertsScissor2_zpsa5065b16.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/RobertsScissor2_zpsa5065b16.jpg.html)

Manufacturing location...
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/RobertsScissor3_zpsa887b34b.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/RobertsScissor3_zpsa887b34b.jpg.html)

Bottom Blade...
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/RobertsScissor4_zps9e00c833.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/RobertsScissor4_zps9e00c833.jpg.html)

Top Blade...
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/RobertsScissor5_zps936def73.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/RobertsScissor5_zps936def73.jpg.html)

Handle 1" Offset...
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/RobertsScissor6_zps2cb2a37c.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/RobertsScissor6_zps2cb2a37c.jpg.html)

These scissors have some rust on them and a considerable amount of wear in and around the blade pivot.  The plating appears to be nickel or chrome.  These scissors appear to be of high quality and designed for some type of fairly precise cutting.

Any specific knowledge or ideas appreciated.

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: bill300d on December 03, 2014, 04:49:10 PM

Gary
     I found these two. Scissors for cutting cloth?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-GINGHER-SOLINGEN-GERMANY-APPLIQUE-SCISSORS-G-6R-/400818176492?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d52a001ec (http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-GINGHER-SOLINGEN-GERMANY-APPLIQUE-SCISSORS-G-6R-/400818176492?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d52a001ec)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROBERTS-sewing-scissors-vintage-solingen-germany-scissors-/221624005893?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3399d1f505 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROBERTS-sewing-scissors-vintage-solingen-germany-scissors-/221624005893?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3399d1f505)

here's another
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Kretzer-7-Applique-Duckbill-Scissors-13018-/360885843153?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item540678f4d1 (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Kretzer-7-Applique-Duckbill-Scissors-13018-/360885843153?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item540678f4d1)

bill

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: superzstuff on December 03, 2014, 06:53:50 PM

I have seen these called "wick trimming scissors" for candles. the wide blade to catch the trimmings.

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: lauver on December 03, 2014, 08:30:57 PM

bill300d--  I think you've solved the mystery in the links you posted.

I googled "Roberts Scissors" this morning and got a lot of hits, but none with the exact blades.  You must be a better googler than me.

At any rate, thank you for your assistance.


superzstuff--  I think you may have identified an improvised application.  It's possible there are other improvised applications as well.  Sometimes these can be the more interesting applications.  I'm always looking for any tool that will help me in the garage whether it was intended or not.

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: Nolatoolguy on December 03, 2014, 08:58:07 PM

Could they possibly be carpet shears?

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-8-in-Heavy-Duty-Carpet-Shears-23018SEN/202550581

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: Branson on December 04, 2014, 08:35:36 AM

Wick trimmers usually have a lip around the broad blade to catch the trimmings,  I believe, though I  can't put my finger on it just now, that these scissors have a medical application.

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: lauver on December 04, 2014, 10:45:47 AM

Nolatoolguy,

Dang if you haven't found another legitimate application.  And, you found the exact modern version of my Roberts scissor.  Good work and thanks for the link.

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: lauver on December 04, 2014, 10:47:53 AM

Branson,

Thanks for the possible medical link.  I'll do some googling and see what I can find.

Title: Re: Roberts Scissor... What's its specific purpose?
Post by: Billman49 on December 06, 2014, 05:08:39 AM

My first thought was lamp wick trimmers....

Early ones had boxes to catch the trimmings, later ones had just a guard, and very late ones appear to have nothing..