Name/TitleScissors

About this objectUsed for cutting leather. The scissors are part of a collection of items used by Charles Robert Wilson, Harness Maker in Melton Street, Woodbridge. The name of the manufacturer, 'ARNOLD & SONS LONDON', is punched on the pivot.

Richard Hall, Research Volunteer:
In spite of the Industrial revolution, Suffolk remained a substantially agricultural and rural economy. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mechanisation gradually crept into farming and the role of the horse declined. Nevertheless, most villages had a Harness Maker or Saddler and possibly a Blacksmith. All of which indicates the significant role the horse continued to play in the economy of that time.

In 1879, there were 130 Saddlers and Harness Makers in Suffolk and, as might be expected, their premises were a regular meeting place for the farming community. This pair of Saddle Makers scissors belonged to Harness Maker, Charles Robert Wilson, who traded in Melton Street, Woodbridge between 1920 and 1953. Mr Wilson learned his trade in Walton, near Felixstowe, as an apprentice. Following a period of service during the First World War, he returned to his chosen profession, finally retiring in 1953, a year before he passed away.

In the late 19th century there were approximately 3.3 million working horses in Great Britain, and horse-related trades were thriving. However, by 1914 the number had fallen to just 20-25,000. As the number of working horses fell, horse-related trades declined rapidly. The decline of the Saddler and Harness Making trade is indicative of the increasing use of mechanical means of farming, which reduced labour costs and improved productivity and profitability for farmers. It is possible that this was a reason why Mr Wilson ceased trading in 1953.

MakerArnold & Sons, London

Date Madec.1920- 1953

Place MadeLondon

Medium and MaterialsMade of silver steel.

Inscription and MarksPunched on pivot: "ARNOLD & SONS LONDON"

MeasurementsDimensions:
Length: 312 mm
Width of closed blades: 35 mm

Object numberSTMEA:83.A.56.2

Copyright LicenceAttribution - Non-commercial (cc)