History at the Old Stone Fort - Scissors & Borst Commission

Brass Scissors

These were used to trim the wicks of candles which needed to be routinely trimmed after burning to burn cleaner next time. The use of Brass scissors was especially common among kerosene and various oil lamps. These items were very common before the 20th century and would often be given as a gift during the Victorian era. The snipping blade captured the hot part of the wick and stored it into the tray (often referred to as a half dish) where it would be kept until it cooled down. These items were sent to us by the Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds.

Hendrick Borst Commission, April 1777

This letter notes the commission of Hendrick Borst as a 2nd Lieutenant of a Militia Company of Foot. Note how the word “colony” is crossed out and replaced by the word “state” as this commission was given after the United States declared independence. Donated by Robert Mahar. 

Although Borst was a patriot, we figured this commission letter was a good fit to highlight Jeff O'Connor's presentation on loyalist recruitment on Saturday April 11 at 2pm, sponsored by Fenimore Asset Management!