Thread: Wm. Gilchrist?

Just picked up a frameback/ mini meatchopper labeled "Wm. Gilchrist Jersey City NJ" My research says the company left Jersey City in 1861 and moved to Philidelphia. This razor does have a bit of patina and will take some work to get operational but it's hard to imagine it's that old. Then again, if the razor is stamped Jersey City, it would suggest it was made in 1861 at the latest (assuming my source about the company moving is accurate.) Kinda like my pre-1904 Austin Texas Shumate. It really is rather hard to judge on some razors as common practice was to pass a razor down from father to sun for many generations. They were family heirlooms that were looked after quite well so they tended to not get as beat up as as some other metal tools. Anyone have any idea when when Wm. Gilchrist went out of business? My research also suggests that when he was assassinated, President Lincoln was carrying a pocket knife made by the same company.

Gilchrist was only in business for 10 years 1855-1865 thereabouts. Lincoln was carrying a Gilchrist pocket knife when assassinated. I own one and can tell you they are great shavers.

Originally Posted by bouschie

Gilchrist was only in business for 10 years 1855-1865 thereabouts. Lincoln was carrying a Gilchrist pocket knife when assassinated. I own one and can tell you they are great shavers.

I'd be careful about owning one of those ........

Aha! So my research was correct. And since this one was made in Jersey City New Jersey it was probably made prior to 1861? The old guy still has a bit of an edge, in fact it bit me this afternoon while I was removing patina. Great flea market find for the princely sum of $10

Between Martin103, and Voidmonster, everything you always wanted to know about William Gilchrist but were afraid to ask ......... ;

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1244505

Wow! I'm really excited about this razor. Even more so after reading Gilchrist's story. I often wonder where, when and with whom these old razors have been it seems that this one at least gives me a clue