Thread: Sheffield Shavers

I was in Edinburgh a few weeks back and had some time so I went to a little store called Unicorn Antiques. The older lady who runs it is really delightful to speak with, a real sweetheart, and gave me a bit of a discount when I bought 4 razors. Never seen these makes before (except the John Clarke) but I liked them all. They will all require some cleanup.









Her son runs a separate shop in the basement. Very nice fellow, but the selection there when I went wasn't quite as good. Quite a few Rolls sets though.

Originally Posted by jmabuse

I was in Edinburgh a few weeks back and had some time so I went to a little store called Unicorn Antiques. The older lady who runs it is really delightful to speak with, a real sweetheart, and gave me a bit of a discount when I bought 4 razors. Never seen these makes before (except the John Clarke) but I liked them all. They will all require some cleanup.









Her son runs a separate shop in the basement. Very nice fellow, but the selection there when I went wasn't quite as good. Quite a few Rolls sets though.

Did you leave any for the other collectors? JK

Is that an Ostrich on the second one? Interesting.

Originally Posted by JP5

Did you leave any for the other collectors? JK

Is that an Ostrich on the second one? Interesting.

I'm sure she's restocked by now! I also told her more about what to look for -- antique dealers see so much stuff and don't always know what's worth saving, so I find it helps to chat with them a bit. I told her to look out for sets, avoid severe hone wear, etc. So you should drop by, she might have some amazing stock now!

On the second one, that is a Lockwood Bros. Pampa razor. "Pampa" would have been a reference to the grasslands of Argentina, which was considered quite an intriguing country from the Victorian era through WWII: in 1913, Argentina had one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, on a par with those of Germany and France. By 1910 most of the railways were owned by British railway companies, and Argentina had one of the most extensive rail networks in the world. There are areas of Patagonia that were settled by Welsh immigrants, and some towns in the area maintain some Welsh traditions. So Argentina had strong UK links, and the Argentinian tango (dance) craze reached its peak just before WWI.

As a result, I think that what we see here is exotic branding on a Sheffield razor, analogous to the Egyptian motif on Camel Cigarettes, and that bird is a South American greater rhea, a relative of the ostrich found on the Argentinian pampas.

Too far away, but thanks. I'm on the other side of the pond (I believe that is the expression). Interesting story behind the bird. Judging by Steel's avatar, that razor may be very appealing to him.
I enjoy the old artwork on razors, advertisements, and the stories behind them.
One razor I want to own is a W&B with "Chinese" writing that is really just made up symbols if I remember correctly.

Nice collection you found the Timor is of course made with Sheffield steel and not a true Sheffield razor
Lockwood Brothers were taken over and owned by Joseph Elliot another Sheffield company. John Clarke, John Heiffor good Sheffield makers.
I'd have bought the last 3 in a heartbeat

Originally Posted by 782sirbrian

the Timor is of course made with Sheffield steel and not a true Sheffield razor

I'll be durned, I see that now, a German imitator of a fine Sheffield razor. I'm guessing that didn't happen after WWI.

Not that I have anything against German razors, I love my Gong and my Ator. And Henckels, and -- well, you get the idea.