Our family have been decorators for generations. My relic is a seam cutter that belonged to my Great-Grandad. He started work at the age of 14 and used this to cut the serrated edges off wallpaper to get a straight edge. It still works today even though it is a bit rusty. It shows how times have changed as wallpaper now comes 'ready to hang'.
Aaron
Wallpaper seam cutter
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Comments
If I'm not mistaken that is an Oates wallpaper trimmer. My great grandfather invented it. My grandmother was Adeline Mary Oates. It was manufactured in Huddersfield. The factory was still going until the 50s, but only with 4 lads in my grandmother's cellar. We used to play with the lathes and bits and bobs when we were children. It should have a timber plate across the top, with a brass plate embossed in red "Oates Wallpaper Trimmer". There is a National Trust property in Wales which has one in original condition! To give it its full title "The Oates Indestructible Endless Loop Empire Wallpaper Trimmer"! Magnificent! I recognise the cast mouldings and the wooden handles at the front, so it's the real deal!