Need help with my grandfathers USMC Clauss!

Hey Guys! Just curious about this razor that I received from my aunt on a visit back home to Newfoundland last summer. The razor was my grandfather's (who I never met) but it's stamped on the box a "Pvt. Becker" I believe. My grandfather worked at the Navy yard in Argentia as a carpenter for many years, so I can only assume this came as a trade of some sort from the original owner.
Here's the link:
Clauss Straight Slideshow by Ben_Roche | Photobucket

I'd like to bring it back to new, hell maybe even hone it and strop it if needed. I'd like to get it back to proper shape and also find out any information I could about it (ie: approx age, how many were made, what it's worth, etc.) If any of you guys could help, it would be greatly appriciated on my end. Thanks!

That looks like a dead ringer for the Clauss that I shaved with this morning except mine is not stamped USMC. Yours appears to be in decent shape, at least from the photos, and I think should not take much to restore it. If mine is any indication of the breed it will take and hold a very nice edge proving excellent shaves. The huge bonus is that you will be using your grandfathers razor.

There are some very knowledgeable people on here that can give you a run down on the company and possibly when these were made. You might be able to research American service records to find out when Pvt. Becker was stationed in NFLD.

Bob

The Quartermaster of the USMC placed an order for razors to the Clauss Shear Company on October 7th, 1918. In 1919, Clauss merged with Henkel to make the Henkel-Clauss corporation, so most likely any USMC razors stamped with Clauss Shear Co. predate 1919.

Value is a slippery subject, since any antique is ultimately worth what someone else wants to spend on it. Because of the connection to the Marines Corps., those razors are pretty desirable. In extremely fuzzy terms, that makes it 'worth' more than other Clauss razors might be.

But I get the impression you want to know not so much so you can sell it, but to know how gently to treat it.

I'd suggest doing no kind of destructive cleaning. Maintain everything as original as you can, but definitely get it professionally honed and try shaving with it. Nothing beats a tangible family connection!

Wow quick responses! I've been trying to find any info on personnel connection...this might be harder to find then I originally thought! I thought the same regarding the markings on the box (regarding the missing "Henkel" markings) Voidmaster, but the Navy base wasn't operational until '41 I believe. Would I be wrong believing that it may have been manufactured before the merger, but not issued until much later? What do you guys think? The value isn't so much as to sell it, I'm more interested in it just for the sheer knowledge and yes, how gently to treat it. You basically hit the nail on the head there.
I was thinking cleaning it with windex and metal polish first to see the situation under the rust that's there then go from there (ie pro hone)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Schassishero

Wow quick responses! I've been trying to find any info on personnel connection...this might be harder to find then I originally thought! I thought the same regarding the markings on the box (regarding the missing "Henkel" markings) Voidmaster, but the Navy base wasn't operational until '41 I believe. Would I be wrong believing that it may have been manufactured before the merger, but not issued until much later? What do you guys think? The value isn't so much as to sell it, I'm more interested in it just for the sheer knowledge and yes, how gently to treat it. You basically hit the nail on the head there.
I was thinking cleaning it with windex and metal polish first to see the situation under the rust that's there then go from there (ie pro hone)

---

It was definitely manufactured and issued in WWI, so your grandfather most likely got it as a hand-me-down from someone else in the Corps.

Metal polish will work well on the blade and scales. You can gently work a paper towel between them to get the stuff out from in between, or better, if you've got access to an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, that'll work great (do that before using metal polish -- the old steel has a passivation layer that will mitigate the formation of new rust from the exposure to water).

I'm not so sure about using Windex as a cleaner. It may react with the metal. I would use some VERY fine grit sandpaper or steel wool to remove the surface rust, then follow that up with some metal polish.

The bestt option, imho opinion, would be to send it out to one of SRP's professional razor honers. They would also be able to restore your razor with the right restoration materials and equipment.

I'll look into some of the pro honers on here. The last thing I want to do is mess up anything on this razor..it's kind of sentimental, you know?

I actually just finished shaving with my USMC Clauss. I could be wrong, but as far as I know that razor was made during WW2. So mid 1940's. The razors made during WW1 had usmc on the blade, the usmc stamp on the jimps as it is makes it a WW2 razor. The razors made during WW1 were also much lower quality.

[valuation removed by staff]

Hope this answered some of your questions.

Shassis, what great fortune.

While I don't particularly enjoy resto, I do it for my own blades. If I had an ancestor's blade - I'd send it to a reputable pro. It can't be replaced. Apologies - I didn't take the trouble to authorize all the scripts to view the blade - maybe its in great shape and needs only some polish & honing. If it needs more - I'd go pro.

'Sounds like Bob has a good feel for the blade and its condition. He would be someone I'd listen to.

'Hope you get to enjoy that heirloom soon.

Carlry, I have no plans on getting rid of anything, so the box will definitely be staying with the razor :). I was glad to hear from someone who has served. Pinklather, I'm going to look into someone who knows what their doing because I don't know how to hone or sharpen..and I don't think I should learn with this one haha. From what I can see, the razor looks to be in pretty good shape. Just basically looking for someone to bring it back to the proper shape it deserves and maybe use it once in awhile.
You guys have been alot of help! I was thinking it was manufactured, and issued around WW2 as the base my grandfather didn't open until 1941. ANY and ALL information is greatly appreciated by myself, and I thank you all for the above info, and also whatever else gets added to this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

It was definitely manufactured and issued in WWI, so your grandfather most likely got it as a hand-me-down from someone else in the Corps.

---

I was under the impression they were made in WWII as well. Are you thinking of the older one Voidmonster that has USMC engraved on the blade instead of the tang?
Mine was recently bought off eBay by my sister who paid $200 for it and it has initials scratched into the scales that I need to remove or fill in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

I was under the impression they were made in WWII as well. Are you thinking of the older one Voidmonster that has USMC engraved on the blade instead of the tang?
Mine was recently bought off eBay by my sister who paid $200 for it and it has initials scratched into the scales that I need to remove or fill in.

---

I know it had previously been speculated that some of the USMC razors were WWII era, but I can't find anything to back that up. I can, however, find requisition orders for Clauss razors from WWI.

Don't take this as gospel though, since the appropriate WWII records could be lurking behind a paywall I'm not privy to.

However, I cannot turn up any search hits for Clauss-made straight razors beyond 1918. They may well have made them, but if they did, they didn't advertise them. They got hammered in the 1920's for selling razors stamped with 'Sheffield' that appear to have been produced... Somewhere. The company rep claimed that in the natural course of their business they bought out a warehouse that had a whole bunch of bare razor blades in it, so they naturally stuck scales on'em and sold'em to the public, but they really didn't know if what was stamped on them was true or not.

The FTC smacked'em around a little and told them not to do it anymore.

Quote:

---

Complaint No. 802. -- Federal Trade Commission v. The Henkel-Clauss Company. Charge: Respondent sells razors, which are defective or otherwise unsuitable for ordinary market, labeled with fictitious resale prices many times greater than the fair market value of the razors, and marked "Special quality, fully warranted" of "Sheffield," with the purpose and effect of misleading the purchasing public as to the value and quality of its razors, in alleged violation of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission act. Disposition: After hearing the commission ordered the respondent to cease and desist from the practice charged in the complaint.

---

There is a 1937 Annual Report on Munitions which mentions Clauss several times, but the book isn't fully available and I can't tell what was being purchased from them (not a whole lot of whatever it was, as the maximum charge listed was $26,622.68). By that time, they were regularly advertising and selling safety-razor blades.

I have sent you a pm.

Thanks Voidmonster. Some good info there my friend.
How's Oceanside these days? I miss the breakfasts at the Longboard Cafe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

Thanks Voidmonster. Some good info there my friend.
How's Oceanside these days? I miss the breakfasts at the Longboard Cafe.

---

That whole strip along PCH is really hopping these days. It's turning into a bit of a foodie haven with several awesome, weird little restaurants. I've never had breakfast there, though another local friend says they're great. Where I live, downtown Carlsbad is more convenient, so my go-to for breakfast is Al's.

Attachment 146245Attachment 146246I have both of the Clauss USMC razors the only info I have been able to find out about them is the one with USMC on the blade was produced about the time of the Spanish American War and that they had problems with them rusting in the tropics so the next one the one with the USMC stamped on the tang was coated with nickel or something to help prevent rust and was produced pre WWI This info was passed on to me by a member here on SRP. I live about 5 miles from the Gate of Parris Island and have taken them to the Curators at the museum there and they had no clue about them the only razors in the museum are DE's. I am not sure if they were issued or a PX item. I have seen pictures of junk on a bunk that had them layed out with the rest of there gear and if I remember correctly these pictures were pre WWII. There is a Retired SgtMaj. here and I was told if anybody would know it would be him and I have not had a chance to talk with him. When I do I will pass the info on. I use mine once a year on November 10th its my way of celerbrating the Marine Corps Birthday Semper Fi

Just like a sqid to rip off a PVT...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Just like a sqid to rip off a PVT...

---

Whatch out there bucko...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Just like a sqid to rip off a PVT...

---

Read Robert leckies book helmet for my pillow and you will see how much a jarhead would be ripped off by a squidley. The USMC has been ripping off the navy for yrs. that's why we learn to triple check our footlockers and sea bags in Boot Camp everyday. Also it's not easy to attain rank in the Corps so a prt may be a boot but after Lance corporal u could be looking at 5 yrs to make Sargent

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slamthunderide

Attachment 146245Attachment 146246I have both of the Clauss USMC razors the only info I have been able to find out about them is the one with USMC on the blade was produced about the time of the Spanish American War and that they had problems with them rusting in the tropics so the next one the one with the USMC stamped on the tang was coated with nickel or something to help prevent rust and was produced pre WWI This info was passed on to me by a member here on SRP. I live about 5 miles from the Gate of Parris Island and have taken them to the Curators at the museum there and they had no clue about them the only razors in the museum are DE's. I am not sure if they were issued or a PX item. I have seen pictures of junk on a bunk that had them layed out with the rest of there gear and if I remember correctly these pictures were pre WWII. There is a Retired SgtMaj. here and I was told if anybody would know it would be him and I have not had a chance to talk with him. When I do I will pass the info on. I use mine once a year on November 10th its my way of celerbrating the Marine Corps Birthday Semper Fi

---

You have a nice collection and are right abt your dates. I'm trying to make a 7 day set of USMC straights so if you ever nd to part with 1 look no further. Lost 1 on the bay 2 wks ago. I look everyday but found 1 where they replaced the scales with aqua glass. What a shame. I'm a 20 yr vet and been out for 2 yrs. Miss the corps everyday. Semper fidelis. When did you go to the island?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimg1775

You have a nice collection and are right abt your dates. I'm trying to make a 7 day set of USMC straights so if you ever nd to part with 1 look no further. Lost 1 on the bay 2 wks ago. I look everyday but found 1 where they replaced the scales with aqua glass. What a shame. I'm a 20 yr vet and been out for 2 yrs. Miss the corps everyday. Semper fidelis. When did you go to the island?

---

I will let you know if I run across any I have one of each type so I'm set. I went to the Boot Camp in '79 and still remember it like it was yesterday the BEST Years of my Life. My Oldest Son has been in for almost 4 years he just Reenlisted and everywhere I look there are Marines I miss it too but all I need to do is walk outside and get my fix, just about everywhere I look there is something to do with Our Beloved Marine Corps. " Semper Fi Devil Dog"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

I know it had previously been speculated that some of the USMC razors were WWII era, but I can't find anything to back that up. I can, however, find requisition orders for Clauss razors from WWI.

Don't take this as gospel though, since the appropriate WWII records could be lurking behind a paywall I'm not privy to.

However, I cannot turn up any search hits for Clauss-made straight razors beyond 1918. They may well have made them, but if they did, they didn't advertise them. They got hammered in the 1920's for selling razors stamped with 'Sheffield' that appear to have been produced... Somewhere. The company rep claimed that in the natural course of their business they bought out a warehouse that had a whole bunch of bare razor blades in it, so they naturally stuck scales on'em and sold'em to the public, but they really didn't know if what was stamped on them was true or not.

The FTC smacked'em around a little and told them not to do it anymore.



There is a 1937 Annual Report on Munitions which mentions Clauss several times, but the book isn't fully available and I can't tell what was being purchased from them (not a whole lot of whatever it was, as the maximum charge listed was $26,622.68). By that time, they were regularly advertising and selling safety-razor blades.

---

Here's a picture of JOB or Junk On a Bunk one has a Straight and the other a Saftey they had to have been made about the same time and because of the gear and the weapon used I would say after the First World War and Before the Second. Maybe sometime in the 20's or 30'sAttachment 158430Attachment 158431

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slamthunderide

I will let you know if I run across any I have one of each type so I'm set. I went to the Boot Camp in '79 and still remember it like it was yesterday the BEST Years of my Life. My Oldest Son has been in for almost 4 years he just Reenlisted and everywhere I look there are Marines I miss it too but all I need to do is walk outside and get my fix, just about everywhere I look there is something to do with Our Beloved Marine Corps. " Semper Fi Devil Dog"

---

Thanks for the offer. You were still in the old corps when drill instructors could properly train recruits even though I was a private in 2nd battalion in 1992. Still remember the footprints like it was yesterday. Congratulations on your sons success in staying in. Is he an 03? Hard t to stay in these days. Talked to a recruiter the other day and they are freezing promotions from staff on up soon. He must've had good pro con scores like a 4.8 or 4.9. My hope he stays safe

In reply to other posts I saw an early pic in Time magazine where they priced what it took to outfit a Marine and in the picture was a straight with all his gear layed out in front of him. I bet they went over to DE s later in ww2. Do u collect or restore? I'm a newbie in the restore world

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimg1775

In reply to other posts I saw an early pic in Time magazine where they priced what it took to outfit a Marine and in the picture was a straight with all his gear layed out in front of him. I bet they went over to DE s later in ww2. Do u collect or restore? I'm a newbie in the restore world

---

I found a Spanish American with the USMC on the tang but it just makes me nervous. Its the only 1on the bay at the moment and its 30 dollars and it would complete my collection but I could etch USMC down the tang easily on a blank clauss. The 2nd version has a certain shoulder. The 1st is not so clear. If you find the time could u take a look for me and tell me if its a spanish american