Thread: Looking for info on a Windsor Cutlery Co

Hi folks,
I'm new to the forum, and to straight razors. Just got this razor, which has been in the family for a while, and I wonder if anyone here knows about this kind of razor.
I haven't found any info so far on the Windsor Cutlery Co. or when it might have been made.

Here's what my family told me:
This belonged to a guy named Boone, who might have bought it in the late 1890s or early 1900s.
It used to have a glass case which broke a few years back. I don't know if the case was original to the razor or not.
It may have come as part of a grooming set. Though if it did, the razor is the only part left.

Here's what I can tell from looking at it:
The blade is 3" x 5/8". It has the words "Extra Hollow Ground Fully Warranted" engraved.
On the tang is stamped 303 (type of steel, I assume) Windsor Cutlery Co Germany.
The scales appear to be and old type of plastic molded to look like bamboo. Bakelite maybe?

Here's some pics:

I'm thinking of restoring this, but I wanted to get your opinions first.
Thanks for looking!

Sorry I don't have any info on the company, but I can say it looks like a pretty good candidate for a restoration! Gather as much info as you can and advice about how to do the work, then have at it! post some pics when its done!

Thanks Murmle,

I think the handle may actually be made of celluloid. Bakelite wasn't made until 1909. I've also read (but haven't been able to confirm) that the blade was made between 1891 and 1915. This is based on markings required by international trade agreements at the time. So the rumors say, anyway.

The original owner, Boone, lived from 1851 to 1942-ish. My wife's great-great grandfather.

I'd still like to find out more about the Windsor Cutlery Co. in Germany, if anyone knows any info or sources. I'll continue looking.

Found a little more info. Looks like the Windsor Cutlery Co. was associated with a fellow who used to import German cutlery to the US between 1851 and 1897. After that. Import taxes made it cheaper to make cutlery in the US. Boon purchased the razor in the US somewhere. So that puts the razor manufacture date between 1891-1897. My info is still all not very definitive, so if anyone knows of more info I'd love to hear it.

Welcome to SRP Mike,
The Goins Encyclopedia of cutlery markings, list The Windsor Cutlery Co for 1934. Furthermore by looking at the razor design and construction and scales to me it screems 1920- 1940 typical Solingen, Germany razor. In all still a high quality razor, definitely worth restoring, since its a family heirloom.