Thread: Vintage Elk Cutlery Manufacturing Co. Solingen Germany Straight Razor

Hello,
My husband has his grandfathers straight razor. It was made in Solingen Germany and has what looks like an ivory carved handle with the number 33 on the blade. The carved handle shows a lighthouse with a boat. We have the case also. The blade is in rough shape. On the case is a picture of an Elk and the number 33 RP 5/8. We may be interested in getting it restored. Does anyone know what these are worth?

Sorry but values are not allowed on this site. However, if you post some photos we may be able to get you some info and if it is worth restoration.

I'd say your grandfathers straight razor is priceless regardless of which Solingen manufacture it was made by. If you look in the classified there is a section called member services. In there there is several restorers that you can correspond with on the subject. They will all want to see pictures to get a perspective on the extent of the work. I on the other hand would like to see some for personal entertainment.

Gssixguns would be my choice for doing a restoration, he does excellent work. Pictures are a definite plus around here. If the scales are carved then I would hazard to guess they are not ivory, more like bone, celluloid or plastic depending on when it was manufactured. RezDog is right tho, being an heirloom piece it is worth more than any monetary value you could get for it.

Thank you all. Yes, it just so happens that I am a genealogist and love this type of thing. We don't want to sell it for sure. I will see about getting it restored, then it will probably go into a shadow box along with his grandfathers picture. Will try to get a picture because it's just such a cool old razor

Originally Posted by angie75060

Thank you all. Yes, it just so happens that I am a genealogist and love this type of thing. We don't want to sell it for sure. I will see about getting it restored, then it will probably go into a shadow box along with his grandfathers picture. Will try to get a picture because it's just such a cool old razor

Don't put it in a box! Learn to use it

Good luck!

"She" could use it but I think she should get her husband to learn to use it as his Grandfather did.

My husband could give it to our 17 year old who has a full beard already, LOL. I am wondering what year it was made?

I think that razor is just a little to far gone for restoration, your idea of a shadow box is valid. Still, the history of it and being an heirloom piece makes it just as interesting. Can you get better pictures of any lettering that would be at the pivot point? There are plenty of members that can give you the information you are looking for.

it appears to be a full hollow (on my phone) which would date it starting about 1850 or so, onward. Take a hot pin and find an obscure spot inside the scales, if it melts then it is either celluloid or plastic.

Angie, Thank You for showing this bit of history. I couldn't agree more that an ancestor's blade deserves alot of respect. It could prob be made shaveable, but not in a form that would preserve its original appearance. The box frame sounds like a good idea. As to the guys that assume only a husband would use - don't tell that to the ladies that enjoy them here. 'Hope you get some excellent help making it presentable. Bravo for saving the history.