Original British Dated WWI Long Reach Wire Cutters with Broad Arrows. MISC 920. Original British Dated WWI Long Reach Wire Cutters with Broad Arrows. MISC 920. Antiques & Militaria

A very nice original pair of WWI long reach wire cutters. A wirecutter used by British troops in WWI, this example has wooden handles and a loop for attaching to a strap or belt. Wire cutters were typically stored for easy access on a utility belt. Barbed wire posed a significant obstacle to attacking troops: it slowed or prevented progress across the battle field and made soldiers easy targets while they were tangled or being cut free. 'Wiring parties' of engineers were tasked with cutting through barbed wire blockades, often at night, working silently to avoid detection. This is a classic pattern of wire cutters made by Wolseley and stamped 1918 to one side and two Broad Arrows to the other .They are in excellent order made from cast metal with long wooden handles and a small loop at the end of one handle for attaching to a strap/rope. The mouth comprises of two prongs of metal, flared outwards. The blades are in good condition with no damage. The action is tight and moves smoothly. The wooden grips are good and show ancient surface dirt which has left a lovely patina to them. they measure 19 ¼ “ in length. The price includes UK delivery. MISC 920.