Thread: Need info on W& B razor

I have just acquired a Wade & Butcher razor and case with engraving that shows:" Robert E. Lee" (also engraved image) "Hero of the Ages". Can anyone give me information about this razor including appx. when manufactured and value?
Thanks

Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation

WADE & BUTCHER
Successor to Robert Wade; succeeded by Butcher, Brown & Butcher
Sheffield
1818-1890 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267)

WILLIAM & SAMUEL BUTCHER
WADE & BUTCHER
Eyre Lane, Sheffield.
circa 1845 to at least 1919
1830 - ? ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374)

The The American Civil War was from 1861–1865. That's all I know.

X

Putting a number on a razor is hard enough, basicaly what ever somebody is willing to pay ... But without pics it would be impossible, and we at SRP frown on discussing prices on the forum... If you feel you got a good deal, then it was a good price

Clean it, hone it, and shave that baby....
Welcome to SRP !!!!

Its old. It's worth what someone will pay for it. Personally, I've yet to find a Wade&Butcher that wasn't a very good shaving razor. And by the way, uh, welcome to the SRP forum.

Howdy, welcome to SRP. According to "Straight Razor Collecting" by Robert Doyle, on page 17 for those that have it, he says that during the civil war the razor mfgs were quick to etch blades with military themes and scenes. Military heroes and the like.

The "Hero of the Ages" etch makes me wonder if the blade may have been made after RE Lee's death in 1870 ? Doyle says that by 1870 the hollow ground razor had largely taken over the market. If yours is a wedge it may be earlier or right on the cut. No pun intended. A couple of photos would be a treat.

On ebay I have seen such razors go for over a hundred bucks and I have seen them go for less. Cracks in the scales , staining, rust or pitting affect the desirability to the collector and to the wet shaver.