Thread: Masonic truth,faith,hope & charity razor

Morning all!
Two weeks back i lost a bid on Ebay for an antique straight razor that had masonic symbol carvings on the horn scales.
Carved on both sides of the scales were the words, "Truth & Faith" on one side and
"Hope & Charity" on the other.
On the tang it had just "London" stamped on.
A gorgeous antique.
I was a bit gutted i lost the bid but while in Edinburgh yesterday hunting for razors, i found one but this time " I. Hall" stamped on the tang.
So now i have it, gave it a clean and soaking in Neatsfoot oil.
Can anyone please give some history on these?
I will post pics of both, the one i lost (London)in the bid is the darker of the two.
Thank you!

I'm amazed that you saw two sets of those scale in two weeks. And both in great condition. I think perhaps you were meant to have them.

Good find! The pressed horn scales look very nice and in good condition. That said according to Steve Shakleford guide on knifes and judge Lummus the I. Hall trademarks belongs to Jonathan Hall, Sheffield 1795-1830.

Jonathan Hall also had the trademark "Gratian" on earlier razors if it is indeed the same maker. A somewhat popular trademark because of George Washington razor. http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...an-1900-a.html

Hi! Thank you for your replies and info.
The only mark on the tang are i. Hall and those on the scales.
I agree that i was meant to have one of them.
The one i bid on and lost sold for £87, the one i bought yesterday only cost £25 so was a bargain and a lucky great find.
So if i am correct in reading your post, it could have been made between 1795-1830 by J.Hall?

Yes but from the look of the blade I would say closer to 1830, either way a good looking razor close to 200 years old, Enjoy!

Awesome! Thank you Martin!

Great find and if that razor could talk!!!!! Get that baby restored and proudly display it or maybe even use it with care! Thanks for sharing.

Cheers Michael, working on restoring it, blade just needs sanding, scales just a soaking in oil, not going to sand them in fear of taking off carving, then new rods & washers, peening & honing. Then display case amongst the rest lol

I couldn't just display that beauty of a stubby. I would have to hone it up and shave with it just once, at least.

Bob

Thanks Bob, that was the plan lol