Razor ID Help! "Reynolds- Sheffield"

I just acquired this razor and I am having bit of a time trying to identify it. The tang stamp (as pictured) only says "REYNOLDS - SHEFFIELD". I don't believe it's a 'Frederick Reynolds' ... at least I have never seen this particular tang stamp before and I own quite a few... and I believe it to be quite old, certainly pre. 1890.

Also the scales are somewhat unusual in that they are made of wood and have metal end caps. Any help in identifying the manufacturer would be appreciated ...


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WP34 :hmmm:

It's almost certainly Frederick Reynolds, but from very early in his career. Mid-to-late 1840's is my guess, not long after Reynolds got his start. The few other razors I've seen in similar scales date to roughly the same time period.

And speaking of the scales, it's much more likely that they're horn. It was very rare for Sheffield cutlers to put their razors in wood scales. Old horn can look an awful lot like wood.

Frederick Reynolds was an import from Derbyshire who originally set up shop in Sheffield at Sims Croft in the early 1840's, but moved around over the years. He had a long -- if not stupendously successful -- career making razors. After his death in the 1870's his sons took over the business and they continued until the 1940's.

Thanks Voidmonster! I appreciate the information and by the way...you guys amaze me with your resources.

Also I just noticed that you are in Oceanside. I am a little farther north (Anaheim) but perhaps one day we can get together...

WP34 :beer1:

Meeting up with local guys that share our hobby is always fun. I've done that and it's amazing how well the conversation goes. Makes you feel good that even locally you are not alone in this obsession we call a hobby. :)

I hope those scales are solid, they sure are pretty. It looks like they have the 1-piece bolster/spacer, probably pewter. Very nice. The blade has plenty of "character", but there's lots of blade left, I'd be inclined to hone it and use it if the scales were up to it.

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Originally Posted by stimpy52

I hope those scales are solid, they sure are pretty. It looks like they have the 1-piece bolster/spacer, probably pewter. Very nice. The blade has plenty of "character", but there's lots of blade left, I'd be inclined to hone it and use it if the scales were up to it.

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Hey Stimpy... Yeah, it really is a nice blade. Hefty to say the least: The blade face is 25/32 inches wide and it is 3 and 5/16 inches long...4 and 7/8 inches from the blade tip to the pivot hole. Weighs in at 2.5 ounces.

It does have a 1 piece bolster/spacer and having had a chance to shine 'em up I believe the end caps are made of silver. Don't know if I can salvage the scales as the back side is splitting pretty good at the end where it fits into the bolster...but if not I intend to salvage the bolsters and fashion a new set of scales for them.

It will be quite a project :)