Wilbert Cutlery Co. 'Army Special'

Wilbert Cutlery Co. was a trade mark used by the Sear Roebuck & Co. from 1908 - 1921. The 6/8 full hollow ground blade features the words 'Army Special' on the show face and has jimps on the lower tang. A real bonus is the original box/coffin. The company advertised you could have your name engraved on the razor for a small added fee. The razor still retains its original black hard rubber scales and nickel silver collars.
The razor was removed from the scales to clean up some corrosion in the pivot/tang area and the top of the spine. The original nickel silver collars were used in reassembly and brass thrust washers were added at the pivot. Little was needed to clean up the blade faces which still has the original black in the lettering. The bevel appeared to be original from the factory. It took a beautiful edge which was finished on a 20K Suehiro. This blade sings and is a nice addition to my humble collection of military reference razors.
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Very cool, Karl!
I have some Wilberts. Seem to be ringers for Bokers! :)
I always wondered how Sears decided upon 'Wilbert' ?

Wonder if Mr Sears had a son named Wilbert?........

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Very cool, Karl!
I have some Wilberts. Seem to be ringers for Bokers! :)
I always wondered how Sears decided upon 'Wilbert' ?

Wonder if Mr Sears had a son named Wilbert?........

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I'm not sure about the history of Wilbert Cutlery Co. Maybe others will chime in with a history lesson. I don't know if they were an actual maker of cutlery or just a trade name used by Sears. Of course Sears is well known for marketing products under their name but made by others. I thought the blade sure seemed like a Genco/Geneva. Not enough metal in it to be a Torrey. There wasn't anything coming out of Germany during the time period this razor was made. Interesting thought about Mr. Sears.

I always thought about Henry Ford and his son Edsel! :D

I have a Wilbert Pearl and it is a mirror of a Boker Pearl.
Anyway, AFAIK it was a Sears-only brand. They likely bought razors branded for them from several makers. It does remind of a Genco or a Clauss. 1921? Lots of German hardware razors then.

Mine all shave a treat. No doubt about that!

Very nice Karl.

It is nice to find them in such nice condition, for easy clean ups.

Nicely done indeed--love the info about the razor too. A nice addition to the collection!

Nice razor Karl...I have two Wilberts in my 'American' collection and they both are wonderful shavers. Got to love it when you find a pristine 100 year old razor that requires minimal effort to make it 'New' again!

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Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Nice razor Karl...I have two Wilberts in my 'American' collection and they both are wonderful shavers. Got to love it when you find a pristine 100 year old razor that requires minimal effort to make it 'New' again!

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You are right Mike. Most of the razor I come across are well used. It sure makes me smile to find one like this.

My guess is that your son will get this Army razor some day. Beautiful job as usual Karl.

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Originally Posted by ajkenne

My guess is that your son will get this Army razor some day. Beautiful job as usual Karl.

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My thoughts exactly Austin. I have introduced him to wet shaving and the old double edge safety razors. He likes the shaves but the Army has life moving too fast for him at the moment to learn the straight razor.

I have got my son wet shaving with a DE as well. He likes the experience but doesn't seem to like straights just yet. Gave him a nice mug, soaps and a strop. It may take him awhile but believe he will eventually come around. I have some beautiful Sheffield straights for him when he does decide to give it a go.