Thread: Wostenholm & Son...

The scales look like dyed horn to me too. I had some almost identical to them and when I unpinned them the inside was clearly horn and the dye was only on the show side. From my limited handling of R eal tortoise scales they will not have defined lines but will be more of a natural blending into the rest of the piece. The markings have been part of the shell and not just on top. Of course I've been wrong before and I am FAR from a "tortoise shell expert".

I do see what you are saying...Here's a close up pix of the scales inside...

Originally Posted by Steel

The scales look like dyed horn to me too. I had some almost identical to them and when I unpinned them the inside was clearly horn and the dye was only on the show side. From my limited handling of Real tortoise scales they will not have defined lines but will be more of a natural blending into the rest of the piece. The markings have been part of the shell and not just on top. Of course I've been wrong before and I am FAR from a "tortoise shell expert".

After some research (A primer on genuine tortoiseshell) I would have to agree that these and some of the ones I have are Dyed Horn.

I still think they are worth saving!

... but now I have to get all mine out and examine them to see if I have any genuine.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Scales look like dyed horn and can be straightened. Nice razor and worth it yes. No need for new scales if you ask me :<0)

I was going to suggest the same thing 10Pups!