Thread: What makes this razor so highly demanded?

I am pretty new to straight razors but I enjoy looking on Ebay at razors people are pushing. This razor sold for quite a hefty sum and it is damaged pretty good. I know appraisals aren't given at this site which is fine, but I was hoping someone could shed some light on why this razor may have gone for so much. I couldn't find much on the razor so I'm rather clueless as to why it was so highly demanded.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

RARE Southern Gentlemen Carved Celluloid Razor Spread Wing Eagle Nude Unicycle | eBay

Cheers

There is a contingent who are pure collectors. Most of them never would think of actually using a straight and to these guys the scales make it rare and collectible.

Absolutely no clue why the bidding went so high. I would like to know too as personally I would not have paid $76.00 for it. What am I missing here?

Bob

To slow in typing, I see TBS has the answer.

What thebigspendur said.

I've seen absolute CRAP razors--in worse shape than this one--put up on eBay that nobody who shaves with a straight would touch but the collectors snap 'em up.

I'd buy a $20K coffee table-sized japanese hone before I buy that.

I'm mighty impressed by the purse on that razor. I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about the do's and don'ts of antique razors. Personally, I'm not overly excited to nab razors with celluloid handles. I certainly wouldn't pass one up if the price was nice, but the thought of cell rot going unseen and wiping out some or even one razor is not overly inviting.

The reason is the scales, pure and simple. I have seen many over the years, (started on straights in the 80's) and I have never seen that design before. The more obscure the design, the more they are worth. Like any collectible.
I am not sure of the representation of the figure, but I am fairly certain it is a goddess of some sort. Mythology based I believe.

The winged wheel under foot is an automotive thing. Is that Hermes? Unusual sells, in this case! I have not seen another like it, but I hope it is not crumbling, for the buyer's sake!

My first thought was Hermes too, but looking at the close up, it seems to have a feminine form?
Now that you say "automotive" though, my brain is burning with a lost thought that this might have been a symbol for some rare car company?

I feel it is a take on the really old Goodyear stuff. Wings and wheel, Wingfoot! In fact, it may be? I think the jury is still out on Hermes!