Thread: eBay 101

This is a good time to point out another seldom spotted cell rot.
The end of the blade can be dissolved by the crappy little wedge of punk celluloid:

~Richard

Here's one that came up today. Vintage RED IMP Solingen Germany Steel Straight Folding Razor Original BOX | eBay Doesn't look too bad, until...

Another that looks the part!
At least the photo shows the pitting. Sellers says 'COSMETIC REGULAR CONDITION, AS VISIBLE IN PICTURES.IT SHOWS DENTS, HANDLING MARKS, SCRATCHES, SIGNS OF USE."
ANTIQUE STRAIGHT RAZOR SPANISH MADRID
~Richard

Sheesh! It looks like someone took a bit of buffing to get it down to that condition, by the roundedness of the spine wear. the edge looks absolutely jagged. The Case Red Imp that I posted was described as "Great shape. No Rust." but failed to mention the crack you can see in the last picture.

here is another prime example of the dreaded CELL ROT in action, and more proof that "stainless" is not impervious to rusting.
I feel bad for whoever is buying this especially if his intent is to re-use the scales.

Does anyone know thehistory on cel rot?
When was it first disco ered? How long were scales made with this defect?

Originally Posted by souschefdude

Does anyone know thehistory on cel rot?
When was it first disco ered? How long were scales made with this defect?

It's not so much a defect it's just the chemistry of this plastic.
I'd bet cell rot was first discovered when movie houses started going up in flames from decomposing film.

You have to remember that in that day there was not to much plastic around. Notice the lack of colors ? We hadn't even been to the Moon yet :<0). I imagine they discovered cell rot the first time somebody left 1 in the sun too long or kept it someplace where it was hot. Put it away wet even when new and you begin the process. It is what they used to make movie film. Modern plastic started hitting the consumer around the early sixties as I recall. Tupperware and plastic spoons for picnics, yeah ! Now we can go to the Moon.
What cracks me up is to see some of these razors coming from China advertised with Celluloid scales !! Really? They are using advances in plastic from a hundred years ago ?

Some good information about celluloid is found below and a quick read.
Celluloid degradation. A very short treatise:
CELLULOID OBJECTS: THEIR CHEMISTRY AND PRESERVATION
Celluloid Wikipedia: Read the end paragraph
Celluloid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
~Richard

I was looking for that :<0) I read it through once. Must read for Duck owners.