Thread: Wild Bill Hickok's Straight Razor

You do anything in the way of restoration and you destroy the provenance of the piece. Whatever condition it is in it should remain that way and be displayed as such.

It's an historical item not meant to be used.

Seems a bit silly to me. Valuing things higher because someone else owned them has never made sense to me. In the anthropology field, its called associative magic, and its just sort of silly.

Originally Posted by dimab

You could wait for a long time. The last one was back in '95 with Jeff Bridges. Wasn't a very good one too.

I dunno, kind of thought it was a pretty good movie. Had some colourful characters, was gritty, Jeff bridges did a good job. Frustrating movie as this little s#!t of a man sucker shot him. That guy played his character well too.
History is braided in tragedy it seems, depending on which characters the history books make you love and hate.

Really don't think it will sell for 50k. Nope. Maybe a wet shaving bookie will be taking bets?
Initials = more history = more value. IMO.
$50,000!!! Lol wow! I'll throw a Benjamin to say I did.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You do anything in the way of restoration and you destroy the provenance of the piece. Whatever condition it is in it should remain that way and be displayed as such.

It's an historical item not meant to be used.

I beg to differ, restoration does not destroy the provenance: most of the artifacts you can see in the museums today were tastefully and professionally restored prior to placing them under glass. Including paintings, sculptures, historical buildings etc. I don't think it diminished their value as museum items.
As to whether an historical item meant to be used or not - I can see both points of view. On one hand, if continuous use would eventually destroy the item itself - it'd be a pity. But on the other hand, using an item - be it a picture, a razor or a building - brings you an enormously more powerful feeling of connection to history than merely observing it. Call it "associative magic" or whatever Would you prefer the Capitol Building to be closed and preserved or being used as a home of the United States Congress?

I eagree that it's silly that anyone would pay that much for a piece of memorabilia, but I think it's amazing that this piece exists and can be traced back so far with its provenance intact. Too bad the same kind of attention to history was not given to the average person's razor.

Both are compelling arguments! I can't decide on restoration or not. Glad it's not gonna be my choice.

Though to call it associative magic seems to take a jab at the validity of the extra value involved with added historical value of items owned by historical pieces. What people believe is of value, is of value. You can't escape that fact even by calling it magical. It's still a factor. If that razor sells for 10k, that's $9800 more because of what people determined they would pay. Cause and effect.
It's a substantial effect created by what people determine is of value.

Originally Posted by MrZ

Seems a bit silly to me. Valuing things higher because someone else owned them has never made sense to me. In the anthropology field, its called associative magic, and its just sort of silly.

I absolutely agree with you: objectively speaking any form of sentimentality and nostalgia is kind of silly. Bur as Horace ones said, "mix a little foolishness with your serious plans; it's lovely to be silly at the right moment." After all, what's every holiday (Christmas for example) atmosphere if not an "associative magic" of a kind?

Unless it is documented in a photograph/period article, I would not accept relatives statements unless it was a few hundred bucks and I was a crazy Hickok Collector.
I am reminded of the Lone Ranger junk razors peddled on ebay with a cancelled check included by a (shudder) lawyer.
Some provenance.

This auction seems to state that his brother Lorenzo killed him. Wiki states that Jack McCall killed him. The movie has Jack McCall as his son.
I guess the people selling it have access to better info?

Originally Posted by MikeT

Both are compelling arguments! I can't decide on restoration or not. Glad it's not gonna be my choice.

Though to call it associative magic seems to take a jab at the validity of the extra value involved with added historical value of items owned by historical pieces. What people believe is of value, is of value. You can't escape that fact even by calling it magical. It's still a factor. If that razor sells for 10k, that's $9800 more because of what people determined they would pay. Cause and effect.
It's a substantial effect created by what people determine is of value.

Its not intended as a jab at the validity of this particular items value, as much as it is a jab at the very concept of value extended to any item due to association with previous owners. In all reality, this item is in no way better than any other razor that many of us posses. Retail value is based exclusively on willingness of the customer to pay an agreed upon price. Sentimentality and celebrity are very similar in that neither make much sense when examined intently.
With that said, I am a history teacher and some items have historical significance and should be preserved, while others are merely things. We should remember that just because Indiana Jones wore the hat, its just a used hat.