Thread: New user with (probably) a very common question

Hello,

Found an old razor in a box of things given to me by my grandfather, a bit of luck I think as I was thinking of giving a straight edge a go being that I burn through disposables and every Mach blade there is quickly.

I used the links already given to determine that this blade was made no later than 1920, but is there any way to narrow it down more than that? And could anyone give me an estimate on the value? I don't plan on selling due to the sentimental nature of the blade, but its definitely something I'm curious about.

Thanks in advance, apologies if this specific question has been asked several times about this razor in the past.

Sure it's a common question, but one we like. We could help a bit easier with closeups of any stamps and markings.

Jonathan

No appraisals on the forum. As new users we tend to be a little hard on equipment and things get broken. My suggestion is to go look in the classifieds for a different razor to learn with. they are frequently some very good values in there.

It is a Marsh Bros razor, one of their 'ROXO' brand - a very fine razor if in good condition. James Marsh built the business up in the1780s, eventually bringing his sons into the business along with his son-in-law - Thomas Shepherd, which served to confuse the terms identity, as they were variously called Marshes & Co, James Marsh & Co and marshes & Shepherd.

1828 found them at the famous 'pond Works, site, after several moves had already been made. In 1836 they erected their own steel-making furnaces.

The name became finalised as Marsh Bros. & Co. in 1850. It prospered until the 1890s, when it was heavily hit by the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, dropping some of its lines and finally ceasing production in the 1960s.

So, all I can say is that it is post 1850 because of the name, but then the 'England' on the box (and probably the tang - cannot make it out) make it post 1890. So it has a window of 1891 to the 1960s, but my gut feeling echoes yours, 1920s or so.

Regards,
Neil