A set of damascened calligrapher's tools, Turkey, 19th Century

consisting of six items, including two pairs of paper scissors, two maktas (pen rests) and two penknives, all composed of steel overlaid with gold decoration, the two scissors' handles shaped to form a mirrored calligraphic composition, with floral decoration on the surface throughout, the maktas also decorated with foliate designs and inlaid with a bone cutting plaque, the penknives with gold leafy scrolls

All in overall good condtion, some minor ware to bone plaque on one of the maktas, consistent with age, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

(1)

Scissors, in mirrored form;

ya fattah  'O the Opener [of all doors]!'

(2)

Scissors, in mirrored form;

ya fattah  'O the Opener [of all doors]!'

 

A cutter stamped with a name: undeciphered.

Comparable damascened steel calligraphers tools are in the Topkapi Palace Collection  and the Sadberk Hanim Museum (Atasoy 1992, pp.146-7, inv. nos. C.Y.237, 1369.M.874 and C.Y.239).