Thread: That 1700's Show

Royal Warranties were also used during the reign of George III. This razor is definitely pre-1800.


Example of a George III punch on a pair of Samuel Linley razors (c.1770)

So I guess were looking at early to mid 1800s. That's about as close as were going to get. Roughly.

Either way...awesome find. Clean um up, get um shavin.

After trying to figure this one out for a long time things came together. Found a user on Facebook forum with same stamped razor. They found a pic online of razor with same stamp and it was stamped on the spine Samuel Robinson Maker. Also their mark was better than mine and the last mark turned out to be a Z not a 7. So after Checking with the Company of Cutlers again. I got a surprise answer. This razor maybe a lot older than I and others thought. Original guess was around 1750?s.

The mark was registered to Samuel Robinson, a cutler, in 1726. His father was Jonathan, also a cutler.

The mark is described as a star, above a finial, above 'Z'.

His father Jonathan's mark is described as 'Z' above a finial and registered in 1695.
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Pretty sure I've seen a similar razor shape here in the past, but I'm uncertain if it's qualify as a "true straight razor" or something else. The scales are clearly not original, and the blade stamp is a complete mystery to me. I'm considering re-scaling it, but I need guidance on appropriate period-accurate scales for this blade type. Any information would be greatly appreciated

Wonderful razor!
Most probably pre 1700! The scales look absolutely original, that's how scales look like at that epoche!! In no case you should replace them.
For reference a picture of two of my examples of razors from the same period with comparable original wooden scales:



Typical for that time, beside the general style of the razor, is the stamped mark on the blade (ok, the tang was a little to small for a stamp!). Your mark show a spur and a star. It is not easy to identify the maker in these early times. There was no real cutlery industrie in the countries like Sheffield and Solingen later in the 17th century. Only some towns that have been centers of cutlers, but these were sole working craftsman. Examples for such towns in Germany are Passau and Nürnberg. So if listed in some very old registry, with a lot of luck you may find out the name of the maker, but even then mostly nothing else more.

As a reference for a chronoligical order following an extract from John Woodall's handbook about medical treatment at sea. The book was published in 1617, the sketches and drawings show the typical form and style of the instruments at this time. Here the illustration of razors from that book:



Stay sharp! hatzicho

Wow, hatzicho, thanks so much for that info! I had no idea! I genuinely thought the wooden handle was just a cheap fix. I'm so glad you set me straight! I almost made a big mistake.
This is absolutely going to be the oldest razor in my collection now!