Thread: Simmons Hardware co. / What do I have?

I've spent several hours looking thru this great site and the internet in general but have come up empty. I have been unable to find another SR like the one I have. So I've decided to create this post.

It was manufactured by the Simmons Hardware co. according to the stamp on the tang. Furthermore, and also according to the tang stamp it was made in the U.S.A. but no city and state is indicated. The last mark on the tang is the numeral "1" which I am assuming is the wedge. On the scales and written in cursive is what I believe are the letters "J.W.C.". I could be wrong on these letter and will post a picture below for you to decide.

The scales are made from some type of metal. They have that unpolished silver look. But could also be a worn brass/bronze.

Is this a Simmons hardware company razor? And approximately when was it made? Also, any other info that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks in advance!!

YOMV
You may have one scaled as a surgical razor. Metal scales were made to be steamed autoclaves without damage. Fancy aluminum scales were in use as high buck scales prior to about 1915 or so. Stainless steel scales were WWI and later. Aluminum had become cheap by the end of the war.
From Wikipedia:
In the mid-1880s, aluminium metal was exceedingly difficult to produce, which made pure aluminium more valuable than gold.[66] So celebrated was the metal that bars of aluminium were exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1855.

the first true stainless steel, a 0.24wt% C, 12.8wt% Cr ferrous alloy, was produced by Brearley in an electric furnace on 13 August 1913.
~Richard

Thanks for your help and thoughts Geezer. Your reply was very informative.

And, most important; who they were:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simmons_Hardware_Company
Some of their brand name items were "Keen Kutter" a really large group of cutting tools of which many were razors of the best quality.
Have it honed and enjoy a good long lasting edge!
~Richard

Interesting how the scales are sporting a fancy monogram. They do have a rather plain appearance such as scales on medical razors, however. Look around on them and see if you might find a silver hallmark?

The tarnish seems to indicate they may be silver??

Thanks for the thoughts and links. I've taken another look and do not see any hallmarks. I'll look again tomorrow under natural light.

The J.W.C. marking is quite fancy and throughout the letters there are fine lines or ridges for lack of a better word. The mark appears to be etched on the scale and not a stamp. I also do not notice any indication of an indention or a raised area on the other side of the scale as a stamping might leave directly opposite of the JWC mark.

Another observation that might be a clue is that there is only one visible pin which is the pivot point for the blade on the scales.

I thought, Simmons, like a lot of other businesses imported their razors from Germany.

Originally Posted by AI4FR

Thanks for the thoughts and links. I've taken another look and do not see any hallmarks. I'll look again tomorrow under natural light.

The J.W.C. marking is quite fancy and throughout the letters there are fine lines or ridges for lack of a better word. The mark appears to be etched on the scale and not a stamp. I also do not notice any indication of an indention or a raised area on the other side of the scale as a stamping might leave directly opposite of the JWC mark.

Another observation that might be a clue is that there is only one visible pin which is the pivot point for the blade on the scales.

Look inside the scales as well. Some hid them in there, while some prominently displayed them. On the edges of the scales sometimes.

Good point in that there is no pin at the wedge end....

Could be worn silver plating on a brass type base metal.
Simmonds was a retailer. They bought where they found the best balance of price to quality.

Originally Posted by Geezer

Could be worn silver plating on a brass type base metal.
Simmonds was a retailer. They bought where they found the best balance of price to quality.

Yes, Richard! We also both know they spared no expense with adornment? Being paid, of course!
(original Simmons Keenkutter scales)