Thread: Great Grandads razor

Hi all! Just came into possession of my Great Grandfather's straight razor! I'm just seeking a little help with the age of the razor. He was born around 1890 and was a postman in PA his whole life.

The razor case has
Henry Althoff co.
Geneva. N.Y. U.S.A. "Hand Ground"
Stamped on it. And the razor itself has - Extra ground and manufactured in Germany for private use, on one side and - Bindley hardware co's PECULIAR, on the other.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Scott

Welcome. Please post photos so we can get you answers on manufacturer, age, condition. We will not be able to give value. Being your great grandfather's it is priceless.

Thanks Boushie! I edited the post to include photos. Yeah not looking for value just history agreed it is priceless!

Very Nice One Too Have,, Priceless,, Ty

Can't help with any info, but what a priceless razor for you to have, treasure it.

What I am thinking from the stamps is that it was made in Germany by an unknown company for a reseller in the US. It is likely a very good razor, on top of being priceless. I think you should get a second razor to learn with.
I have my great grandfathers razor and shave with it for special occasions. Which could be anywhere from my birthday, a special nigh with my wife...
When people are first learning to shave, we can be a little hard on gear, so protect that one.
:-)

Very interesting to see a German-made razor seemingly from an importer in Geneva for a who-knows-where hardware store from a town like Geneva where a PILE of American production took place.

Bindley Hardware may well have been in your grandfather's town in PA ?

Thank you all who have chimed in so far. Bindley Hardware co. Was a manufacturer in Pittsburgh, about 20 miles from where my Great Grandfather lived. So from what has been said so far, the blade was made in Germany and then sent out, where the scales were then put on and resoled locally?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bind...mpany_Building

Originally Posted by Voicelord

Thank you all who have chimed in so far. Bindley Hardware co. Was a manufacturer in Pittsburgh, about 20 miles from where my Great Grandfather lived. So from what has been said so far, the blade was made in Germany and then sent out, where the scales were then put on and resoled locally?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bind...mpany_Building

There you have it! Bindley ordered razors from Altoff with his name upon them to sell.
Altoff had them sent in from Germany.

Seems your Grandad lined-up to buy one.

Pretty cool!

There is one option that hasn't been mentioned yet. The box may not go with the razor.

It is a nice heirloom to have. Get it professionally cleaned up.