Thread: My first find! I have questions... (Images)

I found this in an auctioneers in Belfast, I was so chuffed! I'm brand new to straight razor shaving and definitely to collecting. I have a TI 5/8 Le Dandy I bought new online which is what I have been learning with. I went on the hunt for a quality razor that had perhaps seen better days, so that I could practice honing and restoration work. A sort of sacrificial blade if you will. I picked this up for £11.80 including auctioneers commission so I wouldn't be too disappointed if it wasn't top quality but I'd like to know if its a suitable "sacrifice" that is capable holding of a keen edge for my honing practice, or if it's junk. If it's junk then I'll practice anyway but if it's a decent blade I might look for another sacrifice and save this one as a first restoration job. I'd love to hear from the gurus and get some insight into my new razor!

The pictures aren't great but:

The box (coffin?) it came in says "Hamburg Ring", "Solingen", "Made in Germany". I know there are some fakes going out there that are made elsewhere, assembled in Solingen and then branded, but this box seems old.

The blade etching reads: "The Hamburg Ring", "TRY ME".

The shank etching reads: "Joseph Elliot's", "Best Silver Steel", "Sheffield Eng.".

There is no etching anywhere else on the razor.

I'm not sure of the scale material but I don't think they are plastic. A family member think its ebony but I am not so sure.

Any help or comments would be appreciated! Let me know if it was worth the buy and if it is more suitable as a sacrifice (honing practice) or saved as a future restoration job.