Thread: Wostenholm "Rattler"

Hello Gents,

I recently restored this Wostenholm "rattler" 6/8" stub tail razor. I left most of the patina and used someone's handmade scales as they fit really well. Can anyone date this razor?

best,
jeff

This style is a bit tough to pin down precisely, but it was in use from about 1805 into the 1830's.

The workmen called that style shoulderless grind a 'long cut'.

This would've been the middle George Wostenholme (born 1775, freed to work in 1799). The spelling is... a little mysterious. Supposedly the 'e' was removed to fit it better onto the tang of blades, but when that happened is unclear.

By 1826 the most famous George Wostenholm was working with his father.

Much of the American side of the business was developed after 1829 by William Stenton who came on after being run off by the workers at Naylor & Sanderson. He didn't stay long with the Wostenholms, and was gone by '32. Old Sanderson's documents said he 'bullied the workers'. Considering how workers were routinely treated, Stenton must have been a real bear.

I'd say your razor most likely was made in the earlier part of the date range, before "& son", before Stenton, but that's a guess on my part.

Originally Posted by Aggelos

I'd need a better look at the tang, but judging on the stub tail and the stamp, I'd say there's a fair chance that it's early 19th century, probably 1820

Fits with what I told you on the other thread where you asked the same question

Originally Posted by Aggelos

Fits with what I told you on the other thread where you asked the same question

Thanks so much but this is much more detailed and I appreciate eveyone's help. No need to slap me on the wrist dude. Easy does it please.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

This style is a bit tough to pin down precisely, but it was in use from about 1805 into the 1830's.

The workmen called that style shoulderless grind a 'long cut'.

This would've been the middle George Wostenholme (born 1775, freed to work in 1799). The spelling is... a little mysterious. Supposedly the 'e' was removed to fit it better onto the tang of blades, but when that happened is unclear.

By 1826 the most famous George Wostenholm was working with his father.

Much of the American side of the business was developed after 1829 by William Stenton who came on after being run off by the workers at Naylor & Sanderson. He didn't stay long with the Wostenholms, and was gone by '32. Old Sanderson's documents said he 'bullied the workers'. Considering how workers were routinely treated, Stenton must have been a real bear.

I'd say your razor most likely was made in the earlier part of the date range, before "& son", before Stenton, but that's a guess on my part.

Awersome info and thank you so much.