Thread: That 1700's Show

Originally Posted by inoe

Thank you Fikira !

I read that post from Zak but totally forgot about it !

About edge length, may I ask those who own razors from that time if they meet mine ? I've got two razors little younger (probably around 1790-1800 - one Clark and Hall and one Birks - both Cast steel) that are shorter (3" 3/16 and 3" long). Zak, If you read me, I'd like to have your measurements.

How do they shave by the way ? Been told they were much softer than (let's say) 1820's Sheffield. Is it possible it is made of cast steel (without mentioning it) or is it quite early for that time ?

Here we go:

So, in comparison with your 15/16' and 3' 11/32 long edge (8.5 cm), here are some of mine:


From above to below:

"France" (1780-1790): 3 2/8' (8,25cm)
"S:Norris" (1770-1790): 3 1/16' (7,78cm)
Unknown: 3 1/8' (7,9cm)
"Limrick" (John Hall, Sharrow Moor, Sheffield, around 1790-1795): 2 15/16' (7,46cm)



From above to below:

Unknown: 3' (7,62cm)
Unknown: 3 2/8' (8,25cm)
"*P" (John Fox) (I guess 1760-1770): 3' (7,62cm)


An extra picture of the John Fox (this razor is already known by you )
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...or-inside.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...king-info.html


From above to below:

"+SMITH" (1760-1770): 3 5/8' (9,2cm)
"+SMITH" (1760-1770, restored, grounded, probably in the 19th century): 3 9/16' (9cm)

(both "+SMITH"'s are also recognizable for you
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...or-inside.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...rge-smith.html)

"crown WOLF" (around 1790?): 3' (7,62cm)
"+GB" (around 1790?): 3 1/8' (7,9cm)

So, my oldest ones (2 "+SMITH"'s, 1760-1770) do have the longest edge (3 5/8' (9,2cm) & 3 9/16' (9cm)),
BUT the "*P" (John Fox), of which I guess is from 1760-1770 as well, has a shorter edge of 3' (7,62cm)

Fikira - I'm curios as to the GB with the Maltese cross we frequently see, the ones more in the "modern" style, and most dates associated with them are 1790-1810 - is that accurate as far as you know?

Originally Posted by Phrank

Fikira - I'm curios as to the GB with the Maltese cross we frequently see, the ones more in the "modern" style, and most dates associated with them are 1790-1810 - is that accurate as far as you know?

Well, the data runs from 1774 (Broomhead, Wilkinson & Brittain), 1784 (Brittain, Wilkinson, Brownell) until way beyond 1820 actually, even beyond 1860, when the mark was passed by Brownell through Stacey, Peace & Co, and later the mark was acquired by Gem...
Not to mention the famous +GB with anchor mark...

Thank you Fikira for the time spent measuring. Yes you're right, I recognize some of your little gems.

This means there were no evident rules about size before 1800. Whereas after 1850, 95% of the production is 3 inches long.

About +GB, there was one from 1780-90 on eBay little time ago that seemed to be really big... Can't find the record anymore...

I've been doing my homework this weekend

I used some WD40, a cheap soft steel knife, some clay soap and lots of elbow grease...

The rust came out nicely and the blade is in pretty good shape (much better than what it shows on my crappy pictures).

I'm pretty sure the final result might be fantastic with some abrasive paste.





Now I have to find some scales bit enough to host the blade: distance from pin to pin should be 5"1/2, not that common...

Great thread! This is the only one I have that might belong here. Any info is much appreciated!

I saw that one on the bay. It looks like it should take an edge & shave. Great score!

To me it looks like the tang reads PARKIN, which would be Staniforth, Parkin & Co. from Sheffield, probably c. 1790-1810.

Originally Posted by engine46

I saw that one on the bay. It looks like it should take an edge & shave. Great score!

Really? I didn't get this off ebay so at least I know there is another like it out there to keep looking for. This was a memorable purchase a couple years ago cheap at a community garage sale in a box along with some other goodies. One of the luckiest finds I've ever had outside of the internet. Now, I'm off to find the one you are speaking of....

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

To me it looks like the tang reads PARKIN, which would be Staniforth, Parkin & Co. from Sheffield, probably c. 1790-1810.

Yes, PARKIN. Or rather, a sideways "L" and then "PARKIN". Also "CAST STEEL" under that. Thanks for info!