Dear razor collectors and cutlery enthusiasts around
the world Razor List dated
April 2000
I here present a major new selection of fine and rare
straight razors, including examples of all of the rarest
handle patterns, scarce makers, rare handle materials
including Pressed Horn, Pique-pinned, and some special
sets, including two fine and rare 18th Century,
Sheffield-made, separate-handled seven-day sets in superb
condition.
I expect a strong demand for these splendid
collectable razors, and would ask buyers to email me
promptly to reserve their choices, since all items will
be shortly paced upon the eBay Internet Auction Site in
their Collectible:Barbershop, shaving section.
Prices below are in British Pounds, and Payment may be
made by IMO, by Bank Draft in pounds, or by US dollar
checks converted at 1.65 dollars to the pound. As a
gesture to my many overseas buyers, I will continue to
include insured airmail shipping as part of the purchase
price. I of course fully guarantee all items to be as
described, authentic and genuine, so you can acquire
these items with confidence.
Photographs of all items are availableon line by
clicking on the Item heading or URL within the
description. I offer an unconditional guarantee of
quality and authenticity to all my mail order customers.
New collectors may enjoy the book 'Straight Razor
Collecting' by Robert Doyle, published by Collector
Books, Paducah, Kentucky.
R1: A c1800 Separate Handled 7-Day set by Joseph
Rodgers
This rarest of razor sets
("These uniquely-styled sets are very rare..."
- Robert Doyle, 'Straight Razor Collecting', publ 1980),
- are scarce and highly prized. This lovely Sheffield
example has beautifully-etched & Day-marked wedge blades, clearly stamped with Rodgers' "Cutlers to his Majesty"
trade marks, and each blades fits individually into a
cunning brass clasp/lock device mounted in a
finely-figured elephant ivory handle. The
Handle is unusually long, and the fine red
morocco-leather casket, with original silver plate
clasps, is commensurately large to accommodate this. The
owner's initials 'J A' are inked onto the red velvet
lining. With splendid blade condition, most rare design,
lovely etching, and made by a legendary Royal-appointed
Sheffield cutler - a most choice lot!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1d.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1e.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1f.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor1g.jpg
R2: A mint seven day set of engraved
ivory-handled razors by Thomas Truefitt, 1 New
Bond Street, London. Truefitt was one of the elite
Barbers of late Victorian London society, and sold the
finest shaving requisites through his Bond Street saloon.
These are fully Etched
with day-names in Gothic script, and instead of the
usual lead fillet, have unusual ivory head-spacers, and
an extra brass pin and ivory spacer at tang-level. There
are no rust-marks, no pin cracks (though a faint hairline
to one of the scales), and this set is near-mint and
reday for shaving! They boast a domed, cross
embossed leather clad casket with push-clasp, owner's
gilt monogram ("WBC"), and gilt-embossed inner
label on the inner red silk lining.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor2a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor2b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor2c.jpg
Price: £325
R3: An 1850's 7-day set of fancy wedge-bladed
ivory razors
A superb 1850's seven-day set of
squared-back wedge-bladed ivory handled razors by Mappin
& Webb, Sheffield. Clearly day-marked
in etched cartouches on the squared balde-backs, each is
stamped 'Trustworthy' on the pile side,and has two Mappin
& Webb addresses (Cornhill and Oxford Street, London)
on the mark side. They are in a fine domed
casket with lock & nickel lock-escutcheon (no
key), & which has a printed silk lining with 'Royal
Cutlery Works' & many fine Victorian trade marks etc
upon it. One of the razors ('Monday') has the Owner's
name 'P H Wilcox' scrimshawed upon it, as does the silk
lining. One small end-section of the case's lid-frame is
absent. A heavy, classy and early set, with fine ivory,
and good provenance.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor3a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor3b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor3c.jpg
Price £285
R4: A fine separate pearl-handled 7-Day set by
Tiercelin, c 1775
A superb pearl-handled, silver-mounted and
fully engraved 'separate handled' 7-day set, of late 18th
century provenance. This rarest of razor set styles
("These uniquely-styled sets are very rare..."
- Robert Doyle, 'Straight Razor Collecting', publ 1980),
- are scarce and highly prized. This lovely Sheffield
example has beautifully-etched & Day-marked wedge blades, in a mirror-finished flowing script, and each
clearly stamped with the previously unknown
'Tiercelin' cipher. The beautiful pearl handle has a
floral head rivet-cap, a silver clad and chamfered head
spacer, and a raised tang pin securing a silver plated
clip for the blades, which has a cross-hatched grip area
and a steel release button. The fine and perfect pearl
scales are gracefully profiled, and display well in the
handle compartment of the dark green morocco case. One of
the finest I have seen.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor4a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor4b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor4c.jpg
R5: A fine ivory-handled 7-day set of hollow
ground razors,c1880 A fine
& graceful ivory-handled seven-day set of slim hollow
ground razors, c1880, by Burgess, Pall Mall, London.All
with clear Gothic
day-names, and stamped 'R Burgess, 15 Opera Parade,
Pall Mall'. Good ivory scales, with faint age-crack on
front scale of 'Sunday'. Contained in original Domed
leather-clad casket, blue silk lined, with
push-clasp.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor5a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor5b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor5c.jpg
Price £300
R6: A fine Henry Hobson Ivory 7-Day set in Oak
Casket
This fine 1900-period 7-day daymarked set
illustrates the growing dependence on links with German
grinders and cutlers within the English razor trade prior
to WW1. With splendidly-figured
ivory scales, finely etched daymarks
and sparkling hollow-ground blades, the razors are
engraved 'Hy Hobson & Co' and 'Made in England,
goround in Hamburg' to the pile side. All in the orginal
chamfered oak casket, blue silk lined, and with the brass
name plate engraved 'E O Slater'. - and with original
key!!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor6a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor6b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor6c.jpg
R7: An 1830s Sheffield CARVED
IVORY Razor, stamped "manufactured in
Sheffield". The slim ivory scales are
fully-carved and profiled on both sides in a
classical pattern, and the slightly stained slim wedge
blade has a scalloped and chamfered file-cut back.There
is a small area of staining (no cracks) on the
pile-side scale. Some old corrosion near the tang,
but what a rare and handsome handle pattern!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor7a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor7b.jpg
£135 $225.00 US
R8: Fredrick William Barber -
Silver-steel - a fine 1850-period
ivory/pique-pinned razor: nice central pattern of
inlaid pinwork, with larger central pin, plus two
diamond-pattern cartouche areas. The squared-back and
chamfered blade back is engraved clearly Fredrick William
Barber. Faint age crack to rear
head-pin.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor8a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor8b.jpg
£145 $240.00 US
R9: A fine 3-panel pearl handled razor by Howson
& Haydon, Strand, London
This heavy and handsome piece, well-mounted with nickel
head and tang-end caps, and with a long central cartouche
of nickel, has good quality well-coloured pearl panels
mounted on nickel liners. Clearly-marked, well-stropped,
and with the Sheffield trade-mark NEVA to the pile-side
if the mark area. Pearls of this age and quality are rare
indeed!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor9a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor9b.jpg
R10: A Tortoiseshell, gold-mounted razor by Wade
& Butcher
This superb Tortoiseshell-handled, gold-mounted
fancy-backed razor by Wade & Butcher, Sheffield has
fine file-cut fancy work on the squared razor-back, and
an elegant thumb-nick and grob. The inset nameplate is
gold, as are the pins, and the whole
tortoise scales are lined within with applied sheets
of gold-leaf. Razors of this quality were usually trade
or display samples.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor10a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor10b.jpg
R11: An 1880s trade-supply box of 6 Sheffield
'Superior Razors' Razors left the factories of
Victorian Sheffield wrapped in twists of waxed paper,
then packed within their gold embossed pressed paper
'coffin-cases', then in boxed 'half-dozens'- and here I
offer one of these rare
trade-supply boxes, containing six 'Superior Razors'
by John Sellers, Sheffield. The glossy card box has a
fine label with Sellers' 'Bald Eagle' & other
trade-marks, and contains 6 mint
coffin cases, gilt-embossed with Sellers' trade
marks. The mint imitation horn razors are lightly oiled,
and four are in their original paper twists! All have etched
blades and clear makers' marks, and are a rare find
indeed!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor11a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor11b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor11c.jpg
R12: An 1880s trade-supply box of 5 Sheffield
'Signal Razors'
Razors left the factories of Victorian Sheffield wrapped
in twists of waxed paper, then packed within their gold
embossed pressed paper 'coffin-cases', then in boxed
'half-dozens'- and here I offer one of these rare
trade-supply boxes, containing five 'Signal Razors'
by John Sellers, Sheffield. The distressed card box has a
fine label with Sellers' 'Bald Eagle' & other
trade-marks, and contains 5 coffin
cases, each gilt-embossed with Sellers' trade marks.
The mint black imitation horn razors are lightly oiled,
and all have different engravings, with one engraved for
the dealer/barber 'M Kesmodel Jr, Baltimore Md' (with
Sellers' trademarks to pile side) - this group may be a
sample collection of varying blade styles, a rare find
indeed!!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor12a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor12b.jpg
R13: A flat-cased Ivory pair of Needham's
'Repeat' Razors
A really nice matching ivory-handled pair, by the scarce
Sheffield maker Needham. Each is engraved
'Repeat' and they display well in the original pink
silk-lined flat
case of padded and gold-lined morocco leather, with
push clasp.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor13a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor13b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor13c.jpg
R14: A very rare pair of Copper-handled razors
by J W Stutter.
Copper/brass is a very rare handle material, and this
flat-cased crested pair of Copper-handled razors is by J
W Stutter, Shoreditch, London, who may also have been a
surgical instrument maker in the 1880s. Slim
metal scales, and one blade with Stutter's
crest, one with their trade mark 'Special'. The
original distressed
case (missing one end panel of the lower section) has
"J W Stutter London" in gold on the silk
lining, and has a plated name cartouche, fancy hinges and
push-clasp.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor14a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor14b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor14c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor14d.jpg
R15: A fine pair of Ivory 'Butler's Keen'
engraved razors
This fine flat-cased pair of Ivory 'Butler's Keen'
razors, has both engraved handles and finely engraved
blades. The fine and perfect
ivory scales each have a strange device (Masonic??? -
Engineering??? Weaving??) to the head end, and the blades
have engraved upon them the well-known "KEEN
as is this razor's edge invisible, Shakespeare's Love's
Labor Lost" motto, plus a superb image of
Shakespeare's head. These trade marks are repeated on the
silk lining of the fine leather flat-case
(which has the owner's name 'C Hodgson' in gilt, and
is rather frayed). To complete this attractive lot, each
vlade is further engraved to pile side with the
Cumberland dealer's name " Hampton & Facer's
'Special', Maryport".
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor15a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor15b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor15c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor15d.jpg
R16: A pair of Buffalo-horn & engraved
'Butler's Keen' Razors
This fine flat-cased pair of Ivory 'Butler's Keen'
razors, has finely engraved blades. The slightly
scratched buffalo scales have one replacement tang
pin. The blades have engraved upon them the well-known "KEEN
as is this razor's edge invisible, Shakespeare's Love's
Labor Lost" motto, plus a superb image of
Shakespeare's head. These trade marks are repeated on the
silk lining of the fine leather flat-case
which is somewhat stained.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor16a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor16b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor16c.jpg
R17: A pair of bone-handled wedge-bladed razors
by H Hobson
This chunky flat-cased pair of bone-handles wedge-bladed
razors are by H Hobson, Sheffield, an 1850s period
cutler. Each scale
has a raised brass name cartouche engraved 'W', and
the rear of each scale is scrimshawed faintly with the
owner's name 'Wills'. The blades are little stropped,
with some slight rust stains. They display well in a
paper-covered deal case, with original clasp, and with a
fancy
crested label 'Superior Razors'.
.Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor17a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor17b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor17c.jpg
R18: A unique Rolls/Straight Razor, made for the
Chinese trade.
This unique clear-horn Razor, made for the Chinese trade,
has a fascinating wedge blade that's been modified,
cut-away and fitted with a clip, to hold a Rolls Razor
blade! The Rolls blade fits snugly into the horn
scales, and the razor is well-marked with Chinese
characters, and has the wide
floral rivets seen on more normal razors made for the
Chinese trade. Find me another like this!!
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor18a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor18b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor18c.jpg
R19: A seven day set of fancy mock-ivory handled
razors
A seven day set of fancy mock-ivory
handled razors, with all blades daymarked
and gilt-washed, by Jowika, Germany, c1925. There are
large & fancy gold-washed and etched trademarks on
the blades, with striking swirled plastic handles of
unusual material . Unusual embossed folding
leather case with red silk lining, zip-fastener
damaged. These fancy razors display really well.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor19a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor19c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor19d.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor19e.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor19f.jpg
Price: £140
R20: A World War One army issue clear horn razor
During World War One, whilst US soldiers were issued with
'modern' Gillette style safety razors, the British army
(never at the forefront of technology!) still issued
clear horn straight-razors to their troops. This rare
survival, by John Cockerill, Sheffield, (one of the
Army's appointed suppliers) has the owner's army number
branded into the horn scale, and another number scratched
at the head end.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor20a.jpg
R21: A classic 1840s Ivory 7-day set in
brass-bound case
Made by T J Mechi, one of the finer cutlers of 1850s
London Society, is a classic1840s Elephant Ivory 7-day
set, with elegant and nicely finished wedge blades,
some having professionally re-pinned head cracks - the
Victorian owner thought these razors well-worth keeping
in order! - and all are housed in the most elegant brass-bound
casket of beautifully-figured rosewood, with inset
escutcheon-plate, lock, and six-screw hinges. Some of the
day-name
etching has become faint from stropping, but all '7-days'
are present. A most luxuriously-cased set.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor21a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor21b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor21c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor21d.jpg
R22: An ivory 7-day set by Wilkinson, Pall Mall,
London.
Lovely Gothic day-name
etching, fine ivory scales, and the mark and crest of
one of the elite cutlers of Victorian London make this
ivory 7-day set by Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London a treat
to own! The leather clad casket is rather tatty but
restorable (lid loose & most of the top leather
absent), though it has a gilt Wilkinson Trade Name on its
green silk lining. The clean well-sharpened blades and
fine markings make this a fine display set.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor22a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor22b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor22c.jpg
R23: An ivory 7-day set by Wm Garner, St James's,
London
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor23a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor23b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor23c.jpg
R24: An ivory 7-Day set by James Clements
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor24a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor24b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor24c.jpg
R25: A mock-horn 7-Day set of Taylor's Eye-Witness
'1000' Razors
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor25a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor25c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor25d.jpg
R26: An ivory 7-Day set by Joseph Rodgers, Sheffield
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor26a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor26b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor26c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor26d.jpg
R27: An ivory 7-Day set by Mappin & Webb, in
roll-up pigskin campaign case.
Further Images at:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor27a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor27b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor27c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor27d.jpg
R28:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor28a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor28b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor28c.jpg
R29:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor29a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor29b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor29c.jpg
R30:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor30a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor30b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor30c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor30d.jpg
R31:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor31a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor31b.jpg
R32:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor32a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor32b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor32c.jpg
R33:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor33a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor33b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor33c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor33d.jpg
R34:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor34a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor34b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor34c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor34d.jpg
R35:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor35a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor35b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor35c.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor35d.jpg
R36:
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor36a.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor36b.jpg
http://www.freedmus.demon.co.uk/Razor36c.jpg
Thank you for your interest: Do check on eBay for my
other fine shaving Antiquities - my user name is "neilwayne". I accept as
payment US $ Checks (made out to 'Front Hall'), Cashier's
Checks or International Money Orders. Air-mail postal
shipping plus insurance, at exact cost, will be
added to your Total.
I guarantee your satisfaction with all purchases!
Neil Wayne
"The Razor Man"
The Cedars, Belper
Derbyshire DE56 1DD
United Kingdom
Prices include insured airmail to USA,
Registered Post to UK
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