Thread: Identifying an Antique Straight Razor

Hello everyone!
So, I'm quite new to the world of straight shaves and the collecting and restoration of straight razors, so I'd like a bit of help with identifying one razor I recently purchased online. Here's a photo.



The only identifying mark on this razor is the Sprock logo near the base of the blade, Ground in Hamburg appears on the reverse side. The seller indicated that it may be from Freidrich Ern, and that it's year of manufacture was ESTIMATED around 1939. I've never heard of the manufacturer Sprock, and I know others will have more information on this.

I found an eBay auction for an extremely similar razor:
Vintage Sprock 5 8" Straight Razor Horn Scales | eBay
The only difference between the two razors is the style of the blade. My razor has a round point blade, and the tail of the blade is a bit longer.

The quality of this razor is phenomenal, the only imperfection being a tiny bit on rust near the hinge of the blade. I got a coffin with it, from the same era and same amazing quality, but it's from an H. Boker and Co Unrivaled Razor. Also, I'm really not sure if my razor has horn scales or not. I believe it does.

I've typed up everything I know about this razor, if anyone knows more about its manufacturer, it's year of manufacture, literally almost anything more about this razor, do not hesitate to post your knowledge. Also, frankly, if anyone knows some sort of value of this razor, I would love a rough estimate. This is the first antique straight razor I've purchased, so I'm not sure of pricing these.

Thank you very much!

Firstly, Welcome! No estimates allowed here, with exception of value to you! Seems an old German made razor. Looks to be in good shape.
One like this should provide good shaves as properly honed. Go up to the beginner's forum and introduce yourself and your razor!
Should get some advise and possibly some info there! Great place to start!

Sprock was a trademark of Frederick Ern (1895 registered).

Sprock was definitely a trademark registered by Friedrich Ern & Co. in 1895 (note: this is not the same company as Carl Friedrich Ern, who was in Kanalstrasse, Soligen-Wald while F. Ern was in Weyerstrasse, Soligen-Weyer).

If it was Friedrich Ern, why on earth would it have 'Ground in Hamburg' on the tang? Surely it would have Soligen on it?

However, this Sprock was made in Sheffield, England and sent to Hamburg to be ground. The packet it came in says 'English Steel' and the reverse of the box has information about strops made by G. Sprock. The sticker inside the lid of the box, together with the general look of the razor suggest Osborne, Garret & Co. London and Birmingham.







There is an advert for this make of razor, dated 1910, which clearly says it was made in Sheffield, England and ground in Germany:



I have never seen a Sprock razor in an Ern box or which said it was manufactured in Soligen, although they must be out there.

Regards,
Neil

Ah Sprock, had the trademark "Live long and prosper".

Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Ah Sprock, had the trademark "Live long and prosper".

Quite illogical, captain.

Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Ah Sprock, had the trademark "Live long and prosper".

You'll be telling me they had three ears next: a left ear, a right ear and a final front ear...

...beam me up, Scottie.

Friedrich Ern & Co.
Solingen-Weyer: Weyerstrasse 196 in 1939.
Brand names: 'Commodus' (1911), 'Damokles' (1911), 'Doppeladler', 'Ern & Cie' (1908/9), 'Ern & Co.' (1908), 'Friedrich Ern & Co. Weyer-Solingen' (1924), 'Kobold' (1918), 'Newton' (1910), 'Ost' (1907), 'Sprock' (1895), 'The Sir Isaac Newton' (1911), 'Vim' (1907), 'Weltbrand' (1916).
Open-blade razor maker.

Originally Posted by SS502MC

Friedrich Ern & Co.
Solingen-Weyer: Weyerstrasse 196 in 1939.
Brand names: 'Commodus' (1911), 'Damokles' (1911), 'Doppeladler', 'Ern & Cie' (1908/9), 'Ern & Co.' (1908), 'Friedrich Ern & Co. Weyer-Solingen' (1924), 'Kobold' (1918), 'Newton' (1910), 'Ost' (1907), 'Sprock' (1895), 'The Sir Isaac Newton' (1911), 'Vim' (1907), 'Weltbrand' (1916).
Open-blade razor maker.

The issue is not that Friedrich Ern had a model called Sprock - that has already been mentioned twice above. The issue is that the OPs particular razor is a Sprock's, made by G. Sprock, not a Sprock (note - no possessive 's' on the end) made by Friedrich Ern.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Toxu

I've typed up everything I know about this razor, if anyone knows more about its manufacturer, it's year of manufacture, literally almost anything more about this razor, do not hesitate to post your knowledge.

Neil,
I was attempting to supply the OP with his request for any info on the manufacturer. I provided the info based on what the OP said. (F ern and Sprock) I did not make any calls as to whom the manufacturer was. You make the conclusion as it being a Sprork's. I have no reason to doubt this at all.