Thread: Torrey commemorative

Just got a deal on a Torrey razor with ivory scales at a local antique shop. The owner of the shop is also a certified CPA and does our taxes for us. I had to go in to sign the paperwork. While waiting for her to come from the back with the papers I noticed in a display case the Torrey with a box for another type razor for ten dollars. Both the box and razor were very good so I bought them on the spot. Upon closer inspection, I saw that the ivory scales were etched. It was a likeness of President Garfield with the words "IN Memoriam" over his likeness and "Died Sept 18th, 1881" below it. Anybody have any ideas about the rarity of this piece? I'm hesitant to clean the scales too much. I don't want to wear down the etching and besides, there is a pretty good hairline crack in the ivory on each side of the lower pin. I'm soaking it in mineral oil. Can the crack be stabilized? I would really like to hone this razor and shave with it but I don't want to damage it further. A full restoration that keeps the original scales is not out of the question. Any takers out there, you honemeisters/restoration experts?

Any pics,should have considerd stabilizing the the crack before using mineral oil.

Without a pic it didn't happen !

Kidding aside, it would be extremely unusual to find an etching such as that in ivory scales AFAIK. Could be though. My guess is they are celluloid looking like ivory but I could be (shudder) wrong.

If you have a 'tight' crack at the wedge end it is usually not a problem. For a honemiester/restoration see the SRP classifieds 'member services'.

straightrazorplace.com/classifieds/

Would be very interesting to see this razor post some pics! Wondering if the scales are genuine Torrey or homemade since Garfield died on September 19, 1881, and Torrey was founded in 1880 so perhaps a very early Torrey.

Thanks everyone--SWMBO said she will help me post pics in the AM. Good morning sunlight will help as the etching on the scales is rather worn down. I'm 90% sure the scales are ivory. It hadn't occurred to me that the scales may have been replaced and/or etched by another party. While not a Rembrandt, the etch does look professionally done(not freehand).

here are the pics guys (hopefully they come through)

Thanks for the pics! I would say the scales are original to the blade, that said not ivory, but horn.

Not ivory for sure, could be horn though celluloid was what came to mind at first sight. If you could impose on SWMBO one more time ...... post a pic of the overall razor with the blade open we could tell you if it looks to be in good enough shape to warrant the expense of a restore, or if it is good enough as is to just polish with metal polish and a paper towel.

so much for being 90% sure of anything

Was really hoping it was ivory... I STILL think it is a natural material-the uneven color variations and yellowing just don't look like celluloid to me. But then(yikes) I could be wrong(again). My honing skills are kinda limited, but it cuts arm hair just as it is so I don't think I can hurt it too much. If I do mess up, ya'll can catch me whining in the honing forum. Thanks everyone! This site is great.