Thread: Need Help Identifying This

Hi,
Completely new to the world of straight razors, in fact this is my very first. I am still not old enough to need a straight razor, I am still young so no beard, but I love antiques so I bought it. Price was right for me, I just want to know the age, and what the inlay means. Is it just decorative or maybe a crest? Any help would be great. Here's some pictures,

All that can really be seen in the pictures is that it was made in Sheffield. There are no suitable general impression pictures so trying to guess at dates is not easy. It was part of a set by the 2 marked on it. My guess is plastic scales and a wedge or 1/4 hollow blade. In my view the scales do not really match the blade very well.

Hey RezDog,
Do you know possibly how old the blade would be? Just an estimate would be fine.

Those scales look like horn to me. Early looking pins as well. If so, a lovely piece. Please can we have a shot of the wear on the blade too, OP?

HeyAlanII,
Here's a picture of the blade. It has been resharpened, but it still feels smooth.

They could be pressed horn. Mid 1800's is just a guess. If you clean the mark a little it may reveal a little more. Be gentle with a soft brass brush. It does say something above Sheffield but I cannot make it out in the slightest. It is likely pre 1891 with the absence of England on the mark, however it may still have been there, but that is my general impression. The scales intrigue me, because they really do look a lot like horn but the embossing is not usually seen like that.

Hey RezDog,
The owner of the Antique Store I bought it from said the embossing might be military. I though something Scottish and English, as it appears to have a thistle and a rose. I don't think it's military, but I don't know.

Hey RezDog,
Tried a cloth as well as a light brass brush. What I can now make out above Sheffield is _IL PLA__. There may be more blanks as the rest is no longer legible. I'm thinking _IL PLACE as in an address of a shop or maker. Can't be sure though.

No beard yet? Nice! A virgin one!

He he he, just kidding.
Welcome aboard, Spencer. You are one of a few who can really have a debut shaving by the straight path.