Thread: Early Hunter & Sons Sheffield Wedge

Here is a pictorial review of my recently restored Hunter & Sons Sheffield Wedge with Original Horn Scales. I acquired this blade at a Belleair, Florida antique shop which specializes in early military items with emphasis on Revolutionary War to Civil War items. The dealer had very little interest in straight razors but had a few that I purchased from him at very good prices. I believe I grabbed this one for under $20.00.

I liked the look of this one in particular because of the smiling wedge and nearly translucent horn scales that had been stamped with a previous owner's initials and numerals 930. I have not established the significance of either stamping. Ken at RupRazor in San Antonio, Texas did some work on this blade and guessed it's vintage as circa 1830's.

The tang is very roughly hammered but not as stubby as other early English blades I have seen on ebay. Ken mentioned to me in an email that he felt the quality of the steel was the best he worked on of the 4 blades I sent him. These included a Puma, a Dubl Duck, and my Great Great Great Grandfather's Wade & Butcher, so that is high praise. I shaved with it for the first time since receiving it this morning and it was a fantastic shave!

Here are some pictures highlighting some of the earlier comments made.

That's a good looking razor, & great to see those scales on it. They're so clear! I like the marking's too, they show it's got real history.

Nice razor! I like that you kept the original scales. I think the old wedges are some of the best shavers. The slight smile seems to make a big difference.

Years later after it was SOLD..repurchased...traded...reacquired...back with me and my daily shaver.

I suspect those scale markings are from military issue. There are a few interesting threads here in the forums discussing this. Here is my Hunter. Seems it was a common British practice from the 1850's through WW1. Razors were donated by the local folks and issued to the military.

Originally Posted by antique hoosier

Years later after it was SOLD..repurchased...traded...reacquired...back with me and my daily shaver.

That would have been a tough one for me to give up. Glad you got it back. Hang on to it!


Mike

Originally Posted by karlej

I suspect those scale markings are from military issue. There are a few interesting threads here in the forums discussing this. Here is my Hunter. Seems it was a common British practice from the 1850's through WW1. Razors were donated by the local folks and issued to the military.

Yes Sir, I recall those threads from years back. Thanks for sharing yours!

Originally Posted by mglindo

That would have been a tough one for me to give up. Glad you got it back. Hang on to it!


Mike

It certainly seems like it was a "meant to be" razor for me. I recall it was I believe the 3rd straight I ever purchased, on the same day I also bought a nice Puma. The Hunter is very sentimental. It has lived in Seattle for a time and NYC as well between the trips to Florida.

Originally Posted by antique hoosier

Yes Sir, I recall those threads from years back. Thanks for sharing yours!

Same user name? Is this our old MK friend, or a different antique hoosier?

Originally Posted by Phrank

Same user name? Is this our old MK friend, or a different antique hoosier?

Somehow got locked out of my AntiqueHoosier id and this was one I started with and then had to restart in 2008. Same guy, just cured of RAD and peacefully stropping on a Kanayama and using the Hunter day in day out. Lost my passion for flipping tons of straights and brushes. Just settled in nicely as I approach 55.