Thread: Brittain, Wilkinson & Brownell 9/8 near wedge

A large 9/8 near wedge from Brittain, Wilkinson & Brownell circa 1830. In 1784 George Brittain, Jonathan Wilkinson, Peter Brownell and Joseph Ibberson launched a new cutlery partnership in Brittain's workshop. Several trade marks were used one of which was 'GB' with a maltese cross. From 1815 through the 1830's the business was managed by George Brittain's 3rd son Verdon. Verdon died in 1843 and the families parted.
The significance of the anchor is unknown but is frequently seen with the 'GB' and maltese cross marks.
This razor was received without scales and had been buffed by someone blending the blades profiles and details yet leaving much of the pitting. The blade is restored in its original glazed finish. The scales are bone which have been dyed in tea to give them some age. A lead wedge and brass domed collars were used in the final assembly. Of note is the tapered spine. Where the spine joins the tang it is .252 wide and at the toe it is .210. So there is a .042 taper or just shy of 3/64". I have seen this taper in the spine on many of these big GB blades. I do not know why they are ground this way. Balance maybe?