B.B. Wells Sheffield: good ebay score?

I just bought my first str8 off of ebay. It has "B.B. Wells Razor Maker 431 West Strand" on one side of the tang and "Sheffield Made" on the other side. "Universities Hollow Ground" is etched on blade.

Anybody know anything about this brand?

I paid $15.01 (including shipping). I got it to practice my honing on.

It just has a hairline crack in the scales around the butt pin. Is there anything I can do to prevent the crack in the scales from growing? Fingernail polish?

The blade looks in good condition on one side, but the side that has the etching looks like it has some tarnish/surface rust. Can't tell for sure yet, but it may need to have a new bevel set. Hopefully my new 4K/8K Norton will be up to the test.

Suggestions for cleaning the tarnish off the blade?

Thanks! :tu

Nice grab!
For the crack try CA aka Super Glue. Try to get the CA in the crack as opposed to just covering it. Use a clamp or binder clip, even tape may work to hold it together.
For the tarnish try MAAS or some other metal polish. Be careful if you use anything powered like a dremel. Make sure it rotates from spine to edge and don't get too close to the edge. You might also try some high grit sandpaper like 1000 or 1500 then 2000.


Bob

I'd say that was a good buy. I've not been disappointed by the shaves off any Sheffield razors.