Thread: my hibbard spencer and bartlett

Wanna find out around what year it was made, can't find the answer anywhere online. Its a hibbard spencer bartlett made in chicago. On the blade below the spine it had the improved rattler etched into the metal. Tue handle was described as being bone on ebay, it has a definite grain to it so it appears to be correct and be bone or some kind of black wood. Any help with idea of date of manufacture appreciated I love to know the history of my razors. -john

All I can offer is this:
HIBBARD, SPENCER, BARTLETT & CO
Chicago, Illinois
Trademarks used include: "OVB", "Our Very Best", "HibSpeBar", and "ReyONoc"
Now known as True Value Hardware
ca. 1855 - 1960

This information comes from here:
Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation

I've cleaned up and honed a HSB for a good friend it was an amazing shaver!

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

as u all can see its in great shape but i do wanna shine up the metal a bit any recommendations on what to use?

The scales are probably horn.

Originally Posted by 2010johnjef

as u all can see its in great shape but i do wanna shine up the metal a bit any recommendations on what to use?

Please remember that even though the edge is ages old it can still cut the ever loving hell out of you!!

Try some Mothers Mag Wheel Polish or some MASS with crumpled newspaper! The paper and ink have an abrasive quality!

Then switch to just some old T-shirt and keep at it!!

The polishes will leave a coating that will prevent you from seeing where you are!

Just apply a little liquid dish or hand soap and wash the blade with hot tap water, then rinse and dry to see where you are! You will be surprised at your progress!!

Enjoy the ride!

Use the Search on the forum it would be very helpful.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post773756
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post577905
The HSB history.

Originally Posted by manah

Use the Search on the forum it would be very helpful.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post773756
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post577905
The HSB history.

I thank you! : Great info!

Interestingly they are now True Value Hardware!

Try STRAZORS.com

They list the manufacturers and a history of the company.

Originally Posted by 2010johnjef

Wanna find out around what year it was made, can't find the answer anywhere online. Its a hibbard spencer bartlett made in chicago. On the blade below the spine it had the improved rattler etched into the metal. Tue handle was described as being bone on ebay, it has a definite grain to it so it appears to be correct and be bone or some kind of black wood. Any help with idea of date of manufacture appreciated I love to know the history of my razors.

The post above of Horn for the scales is most probably correct. They will clean up well with toothpaste or MAAS or any good white or fairly uncolored polish like a headlight polish.
Treat the razor with respect and you will enjoy your shaves and pass it onward for another hundred years. The look of the razor and those scales say after about 1880 and before 1920. That is a guess from my limited knowledge. The German hollow grinding and patterns became more common then. Hard rubber, gutta percha and collodion / celluloid scales were more common later. With no grey / beige patina the horn is the best possibility.
~Richard