Thread: Early Wade & Butcher big blade. I need help identifying the model. BARBER?

Hello all!

I picked this up at a very good price, but I'm not sure of the model.... I know it's an early W&B. Given the size and shape of this beast it looks to be either a Barber's use or celebrated, but I was hoping others could narrow it down better. I don't have this in-hand yet; it will be here in a few days. I know this will take some work to clean up, but I think it will restore nicely.

Another thing.... This is just a guesstimate, but it feels like the stamps that read "manufactured by" are of a later period than stamps that just read the name of the manufacturer... Is there any truth to that?



THANKS!

It's a standard model, mid-to-late 1860's.

The "(B) arrow Cross" logo is a late addition to their many, many stamps.

The 'Manufactured by' stamp isn't a good indicator of anything, unfortunately. It was used as early as the beginning of the 1830's and as late as 1920. It was also NOT used during the same time period. What does it signify? It's anyone's guess unless someone can turn up some documentation.

Excellent information to clear a few things up, I'll store that in the grey matter. Can you tell me what their early marks were? I'm a fanatic when it comes to early historic items from around the world.

Thanks again.

With Wade & Butcher, the only marks that can consistently provide dating information are crown marks. That is, a crown with the letters GR, WR, or VR.

-- 1821 to 1830 for GR (George IV), 1831 to 1837 (William IV), 1837-1901 (Victoria I). Technically there were two possible monarch stamps after Victoria, and some of them even appear on razors, but Wade & Butcher never used them. I've done a more in-depth write up on crown marks here, but that's not centered on Wade & Butcher.

To get the best idea of when any given W&B was made, you have to look at the marks and the blade style, and when possible, the type of scales.

It's all kind of maddeningly inexact.

In general, 'For Barber's Use' seems to have started in the mid 1830's. 'The Celebrated' has been used in one form or another since the 1820's.

These are all just marketing terms and don't really designate a 'model' per-se. There were many different kind of razors stamped with either mark. Not all marks are stamps, some were etched (though yours looks like a stamp). What does THAT signify? Again, it's not really known. Wade & Butcher was a very large firm who produced many, many goods.

"It's all kind of maddeningly inexact." - You read my mind.... But, it's all fascinating at the same time.

Thanks again..

Heh, and looking at my own page, I note one of the Wade & Butcher razors there is from the 1820's and is 'manufactured by'.

I am having a bad brain day. That razor does not say THAT.

The article I wrote is correct, what I'm saying now is apparently a bit under-caffeinated and fuzzy!

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Heh, and looking at my own page, I note one of the Wade & Butcher razors there is from the 1820's and is 'manufactured by'.

I am having a bad brain day. That razor does not say THAT.

The article I wrote is correct, what I'm saying now is apparently a bit under-caffeinated and fuzzy!

Time for a pick me up!