johnmrson and myself were at the big Nambour Collectorama on the Sunshine Coast today. This big showground market is a cross between a proper antique fair and a flea market. I've seldom failed to find a decent razor at it; today it was no exception and a nice turn of the century 6/8 Bengall found its way into my hands - crocus polish still intact and stuff-all hone wear. I know that sounds like an unexceptional find but decent razors found in the wild are more a rarity in Aus then they are in the US. There are no W&Bs here; no Double Ducks, or any of the well-known American makers that are the staples of collecting there. We have to be content with Invictas and Bengalls, mixed up with the occasional Solingen blade: mostly Gottas and Blue Wonders but sometimes a Boker rears its very welcome head! I saw such an example today: a Boker Ohio Farmer 5/8 with the etch "Radium" on the blade. Unfortunately the gouging bastard who had it wanted $125 for it with a junk blade and worn out paddle strop thrown in - so no dice.
Anyway, the upshot of all this is that I urge all my fellow Aussies to get out to the markets and collector's fairs. There's good stuff to be found there. Oh, I forgot to mention, I found the best Rodgers I've ever seen at a fair last year - 40 bucks. Go find them.