Thread: Epic Razor Auction

Originally Posted by Wullie

Because somebody REALLY wanted it?

Come on man, if you had a cheek big enough for that razor, don't you think you'd splurge a little for a razor that finally fit?

I did win the James Johnson Silver Steel 7-day set with interchangeable blades. I also wanted the French set that came up right after it, with tortoiseshell scales and topaz gem, but some floor bidder kept outbidding me. I was really surprised at how many lots were won by floor bidders. I expected more of you guys to be bidding and winning. =P

Could someone please explain this to me though... This model barber's chair went for $27,000! I didn't mistype that, it sold for TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! I thought the estimate in the description was a joke or something. I know we're not supposed to talk about prices here but could someone explain to me how this little toy chair is worth more than most cars?

Lot # : 1861 - Koken Salesman’s Sample Barber Chair.

I lost the bid by $50 for the Masonic and other etched wedge razors. I think there was 4. Someone got a pretty deal.

In my understanding of the collecting world salesmen samples are often highly prized because they were produced, sometimes as low as in the hundreds, as opposed to mass production of full scale. It also seems they didn't survive very well over the years making them all the more desirable. Apparently the detail on the chair made all the more desired. And you know people will pay what they want to get what they want, especially in the atmosphere of an auction.

How do you know if you have won ? The barber chair above just shows estimate, not actual auction final bid? Is there a place to see that information?

Originally Posted by EdgedOut

How do you know if you have won ? The barber chair above just shows estimate, not actual auction final bid? Is there a place to see that information?

They'll send you an invoice sometime in the next couple of days and probably a shipping quote since they do their own (which is nice -- the other auction houses I've dealt with did not).

I really wouldn't mind it if their online account system actually showed your bids. I know I won 6 lots, I know what two of those were, but I don't remember specifics on the others, and I certainly don't remember what my winning bids were now -- I was just using a desktop calculator to keep track of spending at the time.

Is the auction over? Can I come out from under the rock now? Is it safe? I had to avoid this thread like the plague for fear of spending more money on razors. What day is it now anyway?

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Come on man, if you had a cheek big enough for that razor, don't you think you'd splurge a little for a razor that finally fit?

And with mouth that big if you didn't have the cash you could just skip a couple of ramen meals

Originally Posted by EdgedOut

How do you know if you have won ? The barber chair above just shows estimate, not actual auction final bid? Is there a place to see that information?

you can see final bids on liveauctioneers.com you have to make an account though :P

Most of the razors I got. The ones I did an absentee bid on got shipped separately and won't be here until Monday.

Some interesting pressed horn in there, including two by scale pressers that were new to me. John Morton and someone named Broadwell, who I can't find any records of.

Here's hero shots of some of the neater stuff:



A Clark & Hall razor in scales by John Morton



Beautiful pressed mockshell scales. The razor was made by Thomas Lee, an obscure manufacturer operating from about 1828-1835.



Joseph Rodgers in very fancy pressed horn scales. Most likely at least 1860's and reground, or possibly 1880's and original (with very little hone wear). The scales, unfortunately, are going to need a lot of work to undo the industry of the dermestid beetle.



The cream of the crop. A John Barber 'Particularly Made for Barber's Use' (which I hereby dub FJBU -- For John Barber's Use, since the scales make it clear he didn't want anyone else using it). Probably actually made after Barber's death in the 1840's.