Large Cutters

[Paul Aslanides]

Found these old cutters at the flea market today; very powerful.
Anyone know the proper name/description please ?
Also, what were they specifically made to cut ?
Each handle has very fine stamping - all I can make out is

W A C H L

1 5 1 7

Thank you.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Technically, they would be in the "compound" category, with the hinged handles like that, but I don't recall ever seeing any tin snips with that exact design. Post a close-up of the marking so we have some context for the parts you transcribed.

 

[Dave455]

Those are British military folding wire cutters, designed for cutting barbed wire.

The basic design dates from before the war, and they were manufactured certainly into the 1970’s.

There are a few minor revisions on the same pattern, later ones having reinforced jaws, or even a different pattern jaw optimum for use on cables.

Very common in the U.K. - a lot of farmers use them for cutting fence wire, and I sometimes carry a pair in my vehicle.

 

[Farmer J.]

There's about 200 of those currently for sale on eBay UK, from a host of different makers. Some have the canvas or leather pouches with them. They date from WW1 until a few years ago, a really good design that didn't need updating!
Here's some background info on them:

Wire Cutters

The introduction of barbed wire in the mid nineteenth century changed the shape of modern warfare, it became possible to very rapidly construct barriers that anywhere on the battlefield that could …

talesfromthesupplydepot.blog

 

[Paul Aslanides]

This photo is about the best I can do. The print seems to read - " WACHL & S 1517 " .
Thank you Lugnutz, Dave, & Farmer. Interesting article, and I was not aware that the handles would fold back for stowage. They are well worn, obviously had much use.
What I don't understand is how the rivets are put in - HOT ? - then formed over in the press tool, and still allow easy operation without the plates binding together. And with no slop or loose play in any of the rivets / pivots.