Thread: I Name this - The Forgotten RAD

Very nice razor Phrank! superb condition and grind. Not sure if the scales are original since Leon Pelleray was actually a Barber Shop supplier, founded in 1830.
The writing on the blade reads Antiseptic razor for barber shops. But a more refine barber shop then the typical as we know it.

Looking at others Pelleray razor i dont find any with aluminum scales, that said whether original or not they look very good.

Wow - so this razor appears much older than I had thought, which also explains the old wooden case and strop. Turns out there is a strop/paste board on both sides of the box, and the razor face say's, "Antiseptic Salon/Barber Razor" approximately as you mention. Listing was from France, and I believe it was just found and popped onto eBay, seller had lots of other stuff, wasn't a razor specific seller.

In terms of the scales, wouldn't be surprised if they are original, as the razor has never been used, there isn't even a "factory" edge on it, no hone marks, and it is completely dull, not even a remnant of an edge. So wonder when this razor was made, if it's from the 1800's, I could see the scales not being original, did they even have that material then? Or, the razor is from the 1900's and the scales are original, and given it's never been used, can't see it being rescaled, as Magpie mentioned, the pin is loose in the scales, and the blade is very unstable, would have to fix that before I'd attempt to use it, would be flopping about in my hand.

Either way, fascinating and thanks, nice big razor with a very interesting grind for sure...going to have to look at getting it properly restored.

It's not a cast steel razor, it's a hefty chunk of steel, lots of heft to it, so I'm betting it will take a beautiful edge.

Told ya it is old. Tighten-up the top!
Hone it up, for Heaven's sakes!

the metal favored by the Elves of yore... Aloominiom! Was once more valuable than gold. Napoleon had table settings made of it I think? I would not be surprised if that was a special order. A more "high end" piece if you will.

Aluminum: The choice of presidents
Napoleon III, the first President of the French Republic, served his state dinners on aluminum plates. Rank-and-file guests were served on dishes made with gold or silver. - See more at: History of Aluminum | The Aluminum Association

Originally Posted by Magpie

the metal favored by the Elves of yore... Aloominiom! Was once more valuable than gold. Napoleon had table settings made of it I think? I would not be surprised if that was a special order. A more "high end" piece if you will.

I just Googled, "Aluminum", turns out in 1825, "the Danish physicist H.C. Oersted managed to produce the first nodules of aluminium by heating potassium amalgam with aluminium." So these scales are in fact aluminum, and most likely are original, and could very well be from the 1800's...fascinating...and you are correct again Magpie, was considered very valuable.

Now, having read that, "patina" is supposed to be somewhat damaging to a razor, wonder if I should sand it up, it certainly has a beautiful looking age to it.

Further, "At one point in history, aluminium was such a valuable commodity that rulers and the wealthy preferred impressing their guests with plates and cutlery made from aluminium rather than gold."

Its amazing what we take for granted today, right? An herb garden and some salt and you were a wealthy merchant!

Originally Posted by Magpie

Its amazing what we take for granted today, right? An herb garden and some salt and you were a wealthy merchant!

Marco Polo and black pepper, another substance worth more than gold at one time....and I love black pepper.

Well I was looking at this razor on the weekend, was going to take it to the stones after giving it a polish and using the base of one hammer as a solid base, to gently tap the pin to tighten the scales.

I gave it one or two light taps, and didn't get much movement on the pin, and thought I was going to stop there...just not ready to potentially damage this razor by doing something I don't have the experience to do. It's becoming more obvious that this is a nice razor, and dog nabbit, I'm don't want to do anything to cause having to replace any of the original state of this razor.

I'd really like to get this razor shave ready without destroying it or damaging the scales.....

So off to re-read some threads about tightening pins....walk before you run as they say.

Just gently tap away Phrank, I wouldn't say that if they were ivory or bone but aluminium is pretty hardy. Few gentle taps and same on the other side. Keep trying till the pin is bent...

Michaels sells a 4 oz ball pean hammer I n their jewelry making section that is a perfect size and weight to learn to pean pins with Phrank.
Using the ball end, you get used to tapping lightly round the pin and it will slowly come together, as will your confidence and touch.
The bigger hammer as your anvil is a good idea too.