Thread: Sheffield Razor, Need Help Identifying and Cleaning

I have an old family razor I found in my grandparents property. I'm thinking late 1800's early 1900's. The only writing on the box that I can read is: "Geo" which I'm assuming is George, and is on the upper left side of the box part containing the insect damage; on the right side is: "1*XL" and "Sheffield, Eng." Closed the razor measures 15.5 cm. The blade itself measures approximately 13.8 cm. On the handle there is engraved "47 Live Oak". There is a Live Oak, Florida, which is very near where these relatives lived, but I don't know if the engraving is after the town name.
I cannot make out any writing on the blade itself. My Grandfather was born in 1895 and his father during the Civil War if that helps any.

Could the handle be very thin ivory, or would it most likely be plastic? What is the best way to clean this blade, removing the rust and polishing? What would be a good guess as to when this was made?

Welcome to SRP. Whatever the box has written doesn't necessarily reflect who made the razor. The box and razor are frequently mismatched. If there is anything stamped on the tang that will give you the information you seek. That one is in rough shape and would require hours of hand sanding with progressive grits. If it means enough to you because of the family heirloom aspect you might send it out for restoration. Not sure about the scales (handles) as to what the material is. Probably celluloid but it could be a natural substance.

Would WD40 help or hurt to remove a little of the rust?

Originally Posted by ClydeWigg3

Would WD40 help or hurt to remove a little of the rust?

It shouldn't hurt anything, but a gentle application of sandpaper might tell you who made the razor. The box was for a George Wostenholm "I*XL" razor, and that may well be what the razor is too, but you'll need to examine the tang.

Makers marks are almost always stamped (or, on later razors, etched) into the tang on the face of the razor. The 'face' is the right side of the blade if you look at it from the business end. It'll be near where it pivots.

The best way to clean the scales (handle) is with a toothbrush and some really basic dish soap. They're almost certainly ivory.

Just found this writing on the tang after I sprayed a little Liquid Wrench on it. Can't believe I've never seen this before. "Joseph Rodgers & Sons". There is some other writing and the name "Norfolk". I am still cleaning a little.

I am going to disagree with the Void, and say NOT ivory, but instead celluloid. looking at the wedge it appears that the scales have shrunk a little leaving the lead/pewter exposed outside of its soft embrace.
I would be cautious using any chemical rust remover as it could have a negative impact on the celluloid (if that is what its made from)
a light rubbing with fine steel wool will get the surface rust off and enable you to see whats written on the tang.
But I recommend just sending it to a pro to make it look good. Undream is one of the best at preserving originality, and Gssixgun makes them shine. Speak to a few guys and get some insight before making any decisions or embarking on a project you might not be prepared for

Originally Posted by ClydeWigg3

Just found this writing on the tang after I sprayed a little Liquid Wrench on it. Can't believe I've never seen this before. "Joseph Rodgers & Sons". There is some other writing and the name "Norfolk". I am still cleaning a little.

It will be something like this:

Joseph Rodgers & Sons
Cutlers To Their Majesties
No. 6 Norfolk Street
Sheffield

They're a fine brand.

That razor needs some professional help though, but I'm fairly confident it can be made to shave well and even look pretty good (but that quantity of rust will leave some marks, no doubt).

Void, that is what is say's. I'm about to post a picture. What is an approximate date on that?

Originally Posted by ClydeWigg3

Void, that is what is say's. I'm about to post a picture. What is an approximate date on that?

Unfortunately, REALLY approximate.

1830-1891 (unless it says ENGLAND, which was usually stamped in a semi-circle near the pivot on Rodgers).

Based on what I can make out of the blade though, probably much closer to the 1891 side of that range.

Also, can you get a closeup of that little chip in the scales near the pivot? I think Magpie's right and those are celluloid scales.

Just took this picture of the tang. Age estimates?