Thread: Two from an antique store -- help with identity graphic heavy

Hi all,

While taking a look over a few antique razors, I found the SRP database app quite helpful on my smartphone. However, it is not a complete database of all razors known to man. Here's where I'm hoping to get some help. Be patient with me as I'm pretty new to SRs. <some dirty pics mixed up with some shiny pics>

A Wostenholm IXL Celebrated:

Width - 17-18mm (11/16ths ?)
Square/spike point
1/2-Full Hollow
Single shoulder
Tail style: 1830-1845
Spine Style: Slightly Hollow
Horn scales.

Now, I've looked through all the Celebrateds in the SRP database and none of them have square points.

Attachment 142673
The scales are a mess, but I can strop and hold it and the razor doesn't flop out or wobble. The edge is true and I will shave with this one soon. I have no experience in hone wear, but the spine, I would describe has moderate hone wear.

Frederick Reynolds:
18mm
Square/spike point
Double shoulder
Tail style: 1810-1835(my guess at looking at the chart)
1/2-Full Hollow
Horn scales


The edge has a crack at the toe/heel. More pronounced on one side of the razor. The FR was also very sharp with no hone wear whatsoever. Both cleaned up really well. Both had ancient leather(?) wrapped boxes.

I shaved with the Reynolds today. Fantastic.

1.) So, looking at the pictures and information I've posted, is my description accurate?
2.) Am I right that these two razors are *not* in the SRP database?

Any further info/comments welcome. Thanks all. Sorry for the picture quality. They are actually relatively mirror finish at the moment. One was under $10 and other other $15. Decent deal??

I had or have both of those razors? ?
The Wostenholm I had did not have those scales though.
BOTH were good shavers!
Nice score!!!!

Those look like they belonged to the same man. I would call him a "straight honer".
These should have smiling edges to correspond with their swooping spines.
If they shave good, no sweat. Me? I would take off the heel and toe until they are shaped correctly and set a new bevel. Smiling edge for swoopy spine! I feel they would shave better as well.
Either way! Nice Grab!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Those look like they belonged to the same man. I would call him a "straight honer".
These should have smiling edges to correspond with their swooping spines.
If they shave good, no sweat. Me? I would take off the heel and toe until they are shaped correctly and set a new bevel. Smiling edge for swoopy spine! I feel they would shave better as well.
Either way! Nice Grab!

+1

Same opinion...

That razor is cracked ????

@gssixgun,

Yes, the FR has a slight crack at the heel. Shaved up just fine, though. I thought it was worth the $9 though, especially for a practice piece.

my wostenholm which is being restored in the forums has the same scales and says its the same model but the spine is shaped differently

Originally Posted by 2010johnjef

my wostenholm which is being restored in the forums has the same scales and says its the same model but the spine is shaped differently

What shape is the spine?

Apears to be straight yours is smiling though. But the rest of the razor is identical u can see mine in the workshop its under step by step restore of a wostenholm for a member

I am the guy restoring that Wostenholm. How is the back scale on yours? I see your front scale is damaged. You wouldn't want to donate that back scale would you?

Originally Posted by Siguy

Hi all,

While taking a look over a few antique razors, I found the SRP database app quite helpful on my smartphone. However, it is not a complete database of all razors known to man. Here's where I'm hoping to get some help. Be patient with me as I'm pretty new to SRs. <some dirty pics mixed up with some shiny pics>

A Wostenholm IXL Celebrated:

Width - 17-18mm (11/16ths ?)
Square/spike point
1/2-Full Hollow
Single shoulder
Tail style: 1830-1845
Spine Style: Slightly Hollow
Horn scales.

Now, I've looked through all the Celebrateds in the SRP database and none of them have square points.

Attachment 142673
The scales are a mess, but I can strop and hold it and the razor doesn't flop out or wobble. The edge is true and I will shave with this one soon. I have no experience in hone wear, but the spine, I would describe has moderate hone wear.

Frederick Reynolds:
18mm
Square/spike point
Double shoulder
Tail style: 1810-1835(my guess at looking at the chart)
1/2-Full Hollow
Horn scales


The edge has a crack at the toe/heel. More pronounced on one side of the razor. The FR was also very sharp with no hone wear whatsoever. Both cleaned up really well. Both had ancient leather(?) wrapped boxes.

I shaved with the Reynolds today. Fantastic.

1.) So, looking at the pictures and information I've posted, is my description accurate?
2.) Am I right that these two razors are *not* in the SRP database?

Any further info/comments welcome. Thanks all. Sorry for the picture quality. They are actually relatively mirror finish at the moment. One was under $10 and other other $15. Decent deal??

Altoids seemto go well with straight razors.