Antique Sheep Shears — Ward & Payne, Sheffield, England

A pair of antique hand sheep shears made by Ward & Payne of Sheffield, England — one blade stamped with the maker's trademark, an anvil beneath two crossed hammers, along with "ENGLAND." Ward & Payne began as an edge-tool maker in the early 1800s and had expanded into sheep shears, spades, and forks by the early 20th century, alongside their better-known chisels and plane irons.

Forged in one piece per blade, spring steel to bow, these are the traditional hand-shearing pattern: two leaf-shaped blades pivoting from a single forged spring, with a wraparound finger bow riveted to one handle for grip and control. The blades come to clean, undamaged points, and the spring retains good tension.

Solid steel throughout with an even grey patina and light surface oxidation consistent with age and use — no cracks, breaks, or replaced parts. Measures 12" overall.