Thread: Got lucky at the antique store

Found this coticule and Boker razor for under $30 Canadian.

The razor was pretty black with patina, but cleaned up easily with extra fine steel wool and Mothers. Unfortunately, the “Clean Cutter” etching was too far gone to save. The razor looks well used, but is in pretty good condition.

Under a 30x loupe, I could see some micro chipping.

The coticule has some interesting, but quite faint markings. I used a progression on the coticule starting with half-strokes and circles with slurry from a DMT 325 and then moved on to rolling X-strokes with diluted slurry and eventually water. Got a very nice 2-pass shave and am quite pleased with my find.

Wow, really nice find! What are the dimensions of the coticule?

Any time I see razor gear in an antique store to the prices are completely disproportionate to questionable quality, but they are the kind of item that people assume are really rare and with a fortune.

The coticule is 4” x 1 3/4” and the coti layer is about 1/4” thick.

Originally Posted by ppetresen

Wow, really nice find! What are the dimensions of the coticule?

Any time I see razor gear in an antique store to the prices are completely disproportionate to questionable quality, but they are the kind of item that people assume are really rare and with a fortune.

I didn’t mention the 3 drawers of broken blades, irretrievable blades and rotten scales I looked through before finding that Boker. The shop looks like a hoarder’s nightmare. I found the coti under a pile of coarse farm implement stones in a back aisle so dark I had to use a flashlight. It reasly was like a treasure hunt.

Congratulations on a very nice find, and it's nice that you saved them from a rubble heap.

Originally Posted by evnpar

Congratulations on a very nice find, and it's nice that you saved them from a rubble heap.

That’s the fun - finding treasure amongst the junk.

It is sad to see what could still have been treasure if cared for properly.

When referring to common place items that generally are used, abused, and tossed it is the few remaining ones in great condition that make them treasures.

Amazing find! I've heard good things about early Bökers. I've had no such luck in antique stores, flea markets, old general stores or anywhere except B/S/T! I don't trust my judgement or luck on eBay.

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Amazing find! I've heard good things about early Bökers. I've had no such luck in antique stores, flea markets, old general stores or anywhere except B/S/T! I don't trust my judgement or luck on eBay.

Enjoy!

I hadn’t thought of it as an early Boker and have no idea of its vintage. I was just happy to get a Boker for a really good price.

Originally Posted by DZEC

The coticule is 4” x 1 3/4” and the coti layer is about 1/4” thick.

That size is often a barbers' hone and good quality.
JMO
~Richard