Thread: 1830 grandfather handme down? Can you ID?

Hello I'm new to this site and in general new to the world of straight razors. So a little back ground on myself first I guess. 23 year old in the Canadian Armed Forces that enjoys the old way of things. So for Christmas this year I asked for a straight razor starter set as it has always fascinated me. Well to my surprise my father gave me his fathers straight razor set.... and that is as far back as we can trace them. So me being curious I tried to look into these razor. They are in a set of 7 labeled Monday to Sunday accordingly with a single handle. From the markings on them and my limited knowledge I have googled my way into that they seem to be from the 1830s and of English decent, I know I could be way out in left field with this or even playing the wrong sport. So some info on the blades them selves. The markings on them are as followed; a small crown with WR underneath, which is where I got the 1830 and English. The number 4 is bellow that next the the words Coleman Hay Market. Then the number 10 where the blade inserts into the handle. From my knowledge the number 10 is the size of the blade and the number 4 is the handle material that it is paired with. The box is lined with what seems to be red velvet and the blade holders are maybe a mahogany type wood. I will post pictures to follow my most likely bad descriptions. Thank you for any info you can provide.

That is a wonderful heirloom you have there. We have some historians on here who will be more specific, but as you may already know, the W stands for the Regent in Great Britain at the time that set was made. Wonderful set. Ivory scales (handle) and in terrific shape from the look of it. Some one will be along that knows more than I do.

Welcome to SRP ..........

Hey thanks a lot and thank you for such a quick reply. I am excited and look forward to learning more about this piece and the art in general. First piece and already wanting more ����

This nice razor set with the ivory handle was made by William Coleman, also listed as Desk and Dressing Case Maker.
Located 4 Haymarket, London.
He was in business 1832-1850.
W(crown)R means the set was made during the reign of William IV (1830-1837).
So. The set was made 1832-1837.

There is a great thread about sets, http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...emans-set.html

That is one beautiful set of razors. Even better that it is heirloom.

I've found references to Coleman Cutlers at 4 Haymarket London. The references are to them making a pruning saw, a very upmarket cutlery box, surgical equipment and nail clippers. The dates range from 1829 to 1844.
Here's a picture I took of one of the articles.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

That is one beautiful set of razors. Even better that it is heirloom.

I've found references to Coleman Cutlers at 4 Haymarket London. The references are to them making a pruning saw, a very upmarket cutlery box, surgical equipment and nail clippers. The dates range from 1829 to 1844.
Here's a picture I took of one of the articles.

OMG I Just Read That Story For A Third Time,,, These Crazy Things are Dangerous To Your Health!!!!!!!!!! I Think You Should Give Them To Me While You Still Have All Your TOES!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too Funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ty

That is a superb set of razors you have and fully warrant a professional restoration if you are so inclined imo. I would not attempt to do it myself and I would NOT attempt to learn how to hone a straight razor with them either. If you do have any work done to them, including honing, make absolutely sure the person you select is up to the task. I am hinting here that this type of razor set is not encountered often and has a value above the norm so deserves to be treated as such. There are very few people I would entrust them to for restoration work because of that. They deserve respect for what they are and the fact that they are a family heirloom of a very high quality that you rarely see today.

If I wanted to learn how to shave with a straight razor I would not learn with these to begin with but with another razor or two till you are competent in shaving with a straight razor. I would not learn to hone a straight razor on these either.

Another option is to maintain them in the condition you found them in and enjoy them as a family heirloom to be past down.

Bob

OMg That Set Is Absolutely Amazing!!!!!!!! The Razor Guroos Have Already Chimed In!!!!!!!!!!!!!Enjoy,,, Thanks For Sharin!!!!!!!!!!!Ty

That's an outstanding set!
Enjoy it and forget abou selling it...i have seel so few in the past years and they rarely come int such a nice condition.
That's a keeper...clean and sanitize it, hone them and use with joy!