Nice W&B

I found this nice W&B set on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Category=35990

I'm going to be bidding on it, and according to the seller the blades are in good shape (no chips already answered, and I have a question out to the seller about cracks/hone-wear/rust/pitting). I know that the scales on one of the blades will need work, but I will be having both worked on by someone better than me. (I don't want to screw up a nice pair of razors during a first restore attempt). Since I'm pretty new to non-restored straight razors, is there anything else that I should check out? Thoughts and opinions?

Those look nice but will probably
A: Go for three million dollars plus $5.00 shipping
B: Be totally useless, and the seller will disapear. Then you will question whether the whole thing really happened or was just a dream.

I've been burned by ebay so much these past few weeks.

What I don't like is that the seller does not show the entire blades of the razors, preferably both sides of them.

Ask for pics, if you dont get them, move on.

I have a request for pics pending (that was also in the info I requested).

I recently picked up a few W&Bs from eBay. The photos weren't the greatest but the descriptions noted that the blades were in good condition with no nicks chips etc.

One looks like a railroad spike and the other has über hone wear and will likely require a regrind to be honable (in addition it will likely be a 4/8 when done).

One of the W&Bs is nice though it has lots of pitting. IMO, many of the eBay razors with a "patina" have significant pitting. Though the pitting may not impact the structure, it does impact the final product, even when highly polished.

Just something to be aware of when making an investment in eBay stuff. I've gotten more than a few stinkers and I think you need to plan for that when budgeting for auctions.

I'm not saying these are bad razors at all, just a buyer beware.

YMMV and good luck.

These are from 1818-1890. I hope you get the pics and then the win.
Good luck.
I hate when pics aren't complete.

Unless it's got a bargain BIN, I always ask lots of questions, and many times, closer photos of the blade. As with anything, "buy the seller." If the seller is non-responsive, or just sends off the wrong vibes, I move on. Some sellers hide things in their photos and descriptions, but most plain don't know.

Here's an example from earlier today: Nice looking 4/8 wedge (I asked her to measure the blade, not the scales), but additional photos showed a badly bent spine.

The WB photos he shows look ratty. I would wonder what he isn't showing.

I've been watching those too, very nice set.