|
Why Storks?
The original stork scissors were not actually scissors, but clamps used by midwives in the 1800s to tie off the umbilical cord after a woman gave birth. The original beaks were offset, rather than straight, rounded instead of pointed, and the blades were dull, not for cutting fabric.
Midwives often did needlework in their spare time and kept their medical tools handy in their sewing baskets. Many have found these odd looking storks mixed in the contents of antique sewing baskets. Over time, the storks morphed into the scissors we know and love today. Here are some examples:
 From a French site featuring antique medical tools: "The first instrument encountered by the newborn is the umbilical scissors. The one shown was made by the famous French maker Collin. The silver umbilical clamp is in the form of a stork with a newborn hidden in the handles.
1800's England
Note the beak is more like tongs than scissor blades & the baby in the wings.
A more refined looking stork....on the way to becoming scissors.
"A delightful and very rare late 18th / early 19th century French sterling silver stork forceps. Probably not for use by a midwife for putting on the umbilical cord post delivery, but more likely used to thread ribbons in baby garments, which were removed for washing. There is a snake entwined around the stork's neck 'Asclepius' style. Another rather nice touch is the cocooned baby on the inside of the stork's stomach only visible when the scissors are opened. There is no hallmark, but they are made from solid silver (tested)."
It seems that the storks originated in France and spread to England and beyond from there. I have the impression that these would be for more financially well off people than the lesser so.
|
