This gift of a pair of scissors, or paper shears, presented by Mr C. C. Stevens in 1973 and one of the more unusual treasures in the Company’s possession, is believed formerly to have belonged to the composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827). A provenance was provided with the gift.

 

Shortly after the scissors were donated, an eminent member of the Court asked to borrow them for a few days. On returning them he delightedly announced that they had, indeed, belonged to Beethoven. It subsequently transpired that the eminent member had taken the scissors to a medium who confirmed their authenticity without any doubt.