Thread: George Wostenholms & Sons

I just picked up a George Wostenholms & Sons straight razor for $18.00. It is from Sheffield England with original coffin box. The cap of the box has IXL embossed in it. The razor has a cream or off white scale. On the tang is " IV GEO WOSTENHOLMS & SONS" SHEFFIELD ENG on the blade is R.H. Macy & Co., New York 960. It has a rounded tip, with some superficial rust. Is it a good find or did I get ripped? I think it should clean up nicely.

Wosties are (generally speaking of course - tough to say without pics...) great shavers. Get it cleaned up and honed and I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

It depends on the condition of the blade . We will need good pics , to determine that .

Odd. Pics not showing up for me.

Here are some pictures.

I think you did okay . I don't see a frown or any serious damage to the edge , although it does look a little rough , the bevel can be restored . some hone time on a 1k will fix it . If you can't do it yourself , look in the classifieds under "member services" for someone who can do the job , for you .

Any idea of age, and what the scales could be made of?

Looks to be in very good condition. No appreciable hone wear. Light tarnish with an occasional spot of devil's spit. It should clean up easily. I'd try cleaning it first, scales and blade with just light polish. The blade etch should be preserved. It should make a wonderful shaver. As others have mentioned, Wostenholms are excellent quality razors. I believe the scales to be made of celluloid, but I'm just guessing. The age? Again, just a guess on my part, but perhaps 1920 to 1930. More knowledgeable members please feel free to comment.
Nice find at a nice price. Post pics after cleaning and honing and tell us how it shaves.

Not bad. That's a lot better than most people do with their first razor purchase.

Rubbing alcohol will take that permanent marker right off.

Originally Posted by lolomike

Any idea of age, and what the scales could be made of?

I think the razor was made around 1890-1910 . The scales appear to be celluloid .