Thread: Razor info (where when who)

Hi all,
Can any of you masters tell me about this baby?

It is from the French firm of Gavet, Coutelier du Roi (cutler to the king) - the mark is crowned E. Yours appears to have been reground. Here is some info:

Ecaille Argent

I'm not entirely sure of the date, as I'm not sure which Gavet in the line this is from. I would guess +/- the first quarter of the 1800s, but that's a guess as I'm not terribly knowledgeable in French razors.

It does seem to be reground - I've seen this before on old French razors ...

Definitely looks like a re-grind to me as well. What a shame. Original, big $$. Re-ground, no collector value. Someone might buy it for the scales if they are in good shape.

Originally Posted by kelbro

Definitely looks like a re-grind to me as well. What a shame. Original, big $$. Re-ground, no collector value. Someone might buy it for the scales if they are in good shape.

I have to disagree. A large part of my collection is reground, and nearly all the razors I have seen in the wild from the Lummus and Doyle collections are reground. It's very common, and as long as it was done properly, does not affect the razor too much other than putting a glaze finish where there was likely a crocus originally. It will affect the value if the collector is looking for total originality, but many of my razors I'm glad are reground as it means I can actually use them.

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

I have to disagree. A large part of my collection is reground, and nearly all the razors I have seen in the wild from the Lummus and Doyle collections are reground. It's very common, and as long as it was done properly, does not affect the razor too much other than putting a glaze finish where there was likely a crocus originally. It will affect the value if the collector is looking for total originality, but many of my razors I'm glad are reground as it means I can actually use them.

Agreed that as a 'user', it's probably OK if the re-grind was performed properly. You should be able to bid on this one soon enough.