Theo.A.Kochs - Lucifer

[Ramiel]

I received this razor from my grandparents estate. I've done as much research as I can and have found out that on the one side it says THEO.A.KOCHS and on the other is the mark of the Lucifer model, an arm holding a torch.
I've found an archived catalog (Illustrated catalogue of barbers' supplies ... Spring 1888) from 1888 of Theo Kochs indicating the Lucifer as a new model of theirs. It has pictures and is definitely a match for my razor. I guess what I'm most curious about is the age of the razor. I see 1888 of course, but assume they made this razor for more than one year. It would be cool to know a range of years the razor was made. In the catalog as well it says they used the finest english steel so I'm assuming this was made in England? Any additional history or info would be so helpful, I'd really love to know everything I can about this razor, it is now quite sentimental to me. Thanks!

[manah]

Welcome to SRP!
Theodore Koch of Chicago wasn't a razor maker. He was re-seller. He is known as man who incorporated all of innovations into his barber chairs, selling more than 35,000 chairs in the period before 1885.
The company was established in 1871.
I've seen several razors with Theo. A. Kochs stamp, but they were made by different companies ...German companies.
For example, the owner of Lucifer trademark was A. Schneeweis & Co., Berlin.

[Ramiel]

Thanks for that bit of history and info.
So likely a german made blade. Now if I could just narrow down the date this would have been made.
Would my razor be considered to be in pretty poor or pretty good condition? I've already sent it off to be properly honed and its edge brought back to shave ready, but leaving the patina just like it is.