Thread: That 1700's Show

Woah.. That shell..........!

Here are some more from varied sources, London, unknown, and likely of Germanic origin. Note how the hollowed section extends further back than many of the blades from Sheffield.



edit: unknown on top, London middle, Germanic bottom.

Originally Posted by Thaeris

Woah.. That shell..........!

Not bad for 200 years old...

Both the extended tail and german one are gorgeous.

Originally Posted by Thaeris

Both the extended tail and german one are gorgeous.

German one is likely blister steel, and based on some references I have seen could be anywhere from 1500s to early 1700s. I am almost there getting it to a point where at least part of the edge will shave.

I've spent lots of time in this thread, and to this day, have yet to be able to find myself a razor from the period, thought I got close with one, but was much later than I thought.

To this day, will never forget the tortoise scaled 1790 razor I missed out on some years back...one day...beautiful examples gentlemen!

Aloha!

The closest I ever got to a pre-1800 razor was when I was at Colonial Williamsburg, VA last summer.

I can't remember which home it was in, but I am pretty sure it was in one of the "Pay to See" homes. There was a basin, pitcher, a small bowl (that I assume was for lather?) and a razor that was original to the home in the 1700s. You are obviously not to touch anything, but the temptation to just pick up that razor for a really good look-see was overwhelming. Obviously I kept my emotions at bay.

There was a barber "store-front" on the main street but no tours through the building were allowed. At least not on the day I was there. too bad. I'd really have enjoyed that. Even though it would mostly be "White Wigs".

Mahalo!

ZipZop

Here are some more. Six in a period case:



A pair in a period case:



And a big range of some of the razors (some bleed-over into the 1800s here) that are not the hollowed-spine style.

I wish they had a button for "LOVE."
I have shaved with some of the early razor types and enjoyed the experience. No heel but I have no fancy fuzz.
~Richard

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

Compared here with another Harwood.

Attachment 265888

Attachment 265889

Attachment 265890

Well, that is very nice!

Of course, as you know, the "The Universal British Directory Vol. 4", published between 1795-8, lists Harwood & Co. Sheffield,
they are not listed in 1774 Sketchley's, 1881 Bailey's or 1787 Gales & Martin Directories, so this razor still could be made between 1787 & 1795-'98. It is tight, but it just could fall in the time period of the "Dip-at-toe" (<1790) & very much possible to be 18th century!

Beautiful, beautiful razors!