Antique Sheffield SP Grape Scissors - Shears - J. Gilbert in original box

Description

These are really cool.  Made in the Georgian style, they are clearly marked on the back for John Gilbert of Birmingham.  This is what I found out about him:
John Gilbert was active from 1812 as 'Old Sheffield' maker. The firm was listed at 28 Legge Street,7 & 8 Bath Rw and 83-85 Ryland Street, Birmingham.
John Gilbert of Birmingham registered three marks in 1812. Close plating is a process in which a thin layer of silver is bonded to an object made from a base metal, most often iron or steel but occasionally Britannia Metal. The silver plate was affixed through pressing or hammering and the use of a hot iron.
There is one spot where plating is worn on the back (please see last picture).  This appears to be silver plate on iron or steel, as it is dark grey or black.   It is only about 1/8" diameter.
Scissors measure 7-1/8" long.
The box is in wonderful condition for age.  There is a brown stain where the tyips of the scissors rest against the white silk lining.  The blue velvet is beautiful.
Box snaps shut and stays shut.