Thread: Connecticut Silver

This Waterville Cutlery blade has been in search of some scales for some time. Originally destined for a 7-day set of American razors I restored previously, it seemed too fancy for the others, so I searched for some proper clothes.
I finally found them and it came together to-day!



In researching this blade and it's newly joined scales, the Waterville Cutlery blade, from Waterville, Conn, was made sometime between 1890 and 1913. Imagine my excitement as researching hallmarks on some old silver scales and found that this set (previously owned by 'Alfred' ) were from the same county in Connecticut by R. Wallace and Sons of Wallingford, Conn. It seemed a perfect fit!

As I read of the old days in Conn, I learned that Waterville is actually a part of Waterbury, 2 miles south. Indeed, this area has some extreme American history. New Haven County was established in 1666 by 38 planters and freemen and had expanded to 30,000+ population by 1790. To the north of Waterbury 7 miles was Plymouth Hollow where American Knife Co was born in 1849 and Seth Thomas the famous clockmaker later set up shop in a big way..Lots of industry in this area. The 1st Micky Mouse watch was made by Waterbury Clock co in 1933! (fascinating!)

Moving onward, 27 miles to the southeast, is Wallingford (est 1667), another highly industrialized town back then.
Interestingly, Winston Churchill's great-grandfather was born there! Robert Wallace was a big name in several concerns there and began R Wallace and Sons Silver in 1871.

I learned much more, but so as not to bore, I digress! Connecticut silver!



The scales are stamped and very light. Pivot is tight and it has excellent balance and feel. I shall hone it soon and give it a go!
Thanks for looking!

What a stunning example of perfection Tom. Its just amazing.
Looks like you could trip over that etching.
Sweet!!!!!

You do very nice work and have to be the most patient collector on the planet. I am in awe again.

Wow, Outstanding! Thanks for sharing.

Wow, that's an eye catcher!

Hot damn! It's great to see an Amercan razor with all the bells and whistles. That thing is pimp!

Originally Posted by Tarkus

What a stunning example of perfection Tom. Its just amazing.
Looks like you could trip over that etching.
Sweet!!!!!

My Thanks, Darl! Certainly this blade is in fine shape. The etch is awful close to the bevel, though! Come to think of it, it is pretty close to the spine as well! I suppose they wanted to adorn the whole blade's face?

Originally Posted by RezDog

You do very nice work and have to be the most patient collector on the planet. I am in awe again.

My Thanks! Cannot take much credit, Shaun, as the blade was pretty nice and the scales were black with tarnish. Lots of scrubbing, polishing, a tad of bending and dinging, a pin job! I suppose mostly patience!

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Wow, Outstanding! Thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by robellison01

Wow, that's an eye catcher!

I appreciate it, fellows!

Originally Posted by wyobarbershop

Hot damn! It's great to see an Amercan razor with all the bells and whistles. That thing is pimp!

Yep! Them Amercan razors are usually quite dull. Thanks, Dog! I appreciate that!

Very nice, a great match. One nice looking blade.

CRIIIIIPES!! We should be allowed to swear on here when razors like this are posted. Without, I can't express myself properly.

Tom, holy Schmitt that thing is gorgeous! Love the story behind it too.

There's 3 guys I'd love to hang with, and see their collections first hand. Magnus, Jamie and You.

#bestrazorever

oops, this isn't Instagram.

Man that etching goes right to the edge, eh?

This is a forum for wet shavers. This however has to be fine jewelry. I'm with HARRYWALLY so since I can't say #$%^%#@@#% I just shut my mouth.