Truefitt razor

Hi! I won this razor in an auction & have attempted to look for info regarding the name & address on the tang.
Truefitt happens to be either a babers or hairdresser rather than a razor manufacturer.
I typed in Google Truefitt 1 New Bond Street and what the search turned up was nearly all Truefitt & Hill of "Old" Bond Street who indeed held a royal warrant around King George III.
I did find a Walter Truefitt Ltd of 1 New Bond Street but no other information.
My question being are they one of the same?
Any info would be appreciated,
Thank you.
Attachment 273797Attachment 273798Attachment 273799Attachment 273800

Nice oldie, Gabe! I think you found it all. Seems 2 different ones?
Perhaps they are related?



Truck and Tuckle look more interesting! :D

Sorry, no help.
But its a cool looking razor.
Mid to late 1800s, I presume.

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Nice oldie, Gabe! I think you found it all. Seems 2 different ones?
Perhaps they are related?



Truck and Tuckle look more interesting! :D

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Thank you! Maybe, just maybe :)


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Originally Posted by outback

Sorry, no help.
But its a cool looking razor.
Mid to late 1800s, I presume.

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Thank you! 1830-1837 i think due to W crown R on tang but i could be wrong. Lol :)


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I get a kick of how most are described 'Mid 1800's'.
You would think they all were made in a 20 year span! :rofl2:

It's an oldie. The bolsters remind of a GR of mine.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ors-razor.html

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

I get a kick of how most are described 'Mid 1800's'.
You would think they all were made in a 20 year span! :rofl2:

It's an oldie. The bolsters remind of a GR of mine.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ors-razor.html

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Now that is a cracker of a razor! Gorgeous! If I can get mine like that I'll be a very happy guy indeed!
I take it, it shaves well?
Thanks for sharing :)


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Originally Posted by GabrielMartin

Thank you! 1830-1837 i think due to W crown R on tang but i could be wrong. Lol :)


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George III was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of the two countries on 1 January 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death in 1820.

Therefore it could have been anywhere between 1760-1820.

I love that razor by the way.

Mike

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Originally Posted by mglindo

George III was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of the two countries on 1 January 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death in 1820.

Therefore it could have been anywhere between 1760-1820.

I love that razor by the way.

Mike

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Thank you! :)


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A bit confused....Gabe's razor has WR upon it..

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

A bit confused....Gabe's razor has WR upon it..

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It sure does and that puts it squarely in the 1830-37 timeframe.

i have a much later Truefitt - an HP Truefitt 6/8, from when the firm was at 13 & 14 Old Bond Street - say about 1900. Truefitts eventually amalgamated with Edwin Hill in 1935 to form the firm that bears their names today.

Congrats on the win, that is a great looking razor!

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

A bit confused....Gabe's razor has WR upon it..

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I think Mglindo is referring to my original post where I mentioned King George III was still in reign when Truefitt & Hill first started up, I hope lol :)

https://www.truefittandhill.co.uk/pages/history


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maladroit

It sure does and that puts it squarely in the 1830-37 timeframe.

i have a much later Truefitt - an HP Truefitt 6/8, from when the firm was at 13 & 14 Old Bond Street - say about 1900. Truefitts eventually amalgamated with Edwin Hill in 1935 to form the firm that bears their names today.

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That's great news, thank you! Trying to find really old info is sometimes harder to find. :)
How did you find this out so I know for future reference?


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Originally Posted by Porl

Congrats on the win, that is a great looking razor!

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Thank you! Needs a bit of work though but I'll get it restored soon :)


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Originally Posted by GabrielMartin

That's great news, thank you! Trying to find really old info is sometimes harder to find. :)
How did you find this out so I know for future reference?


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Hi Gabe, the Truefitt & Hill info I found by the usual google searching and the dating stuff from general knowledge on what king reigned when - although I have to concede that the specific knowledge regarding the monogram WcrownR and its identification with William IV I owe to the late Neill Miller. Neill was an absolute mine of information and was happy to share it with us. He is sorely missed round this parish.

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Originally Posted by Maladroit

Hi Gabe, the Truefitt & Hill info I found by the usual google searching and the dating stuff from general knowledge on what king reigned when - although I have to concede that the specific knowledge regarding the monogram WcrownR and its identification with William IV I owe to the late Neill Miller. Neill was an absolute mine of information and was happy to share it with us. He is sorely missed round this parish.

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Sorry for all your loss, he sounds like I would have learned a lot from him.

Regarding the razor, it just arrived.
There is indeed a lot of work needing done to it, one scale needs replacing and the other is loose but in one piece.
It is in a bit of a mess but I think I can (hopefully) restore it.
I will take pics of it soon and post them in this thread.
Again thank you for the help with information. :)


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So these are the pics I've taken & as you can see it's in a bad way. I'm going to have to find out what type of mother of pearl it is so I know right ones to buy but I might just replace both scales with new MOP. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...80a13406dc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...86f32836f6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0f1f2aed4e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eefc9c8c3e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a723384592.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...96191f63f4.jpg


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I have bought from here before, Gabe......Exotichandcraft.com

You could contact them about the dimensions and thickness you need.

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have bought from here before, Gabe......Exotichandcraft.com

You could contact them about the dimensions and thickness you need.

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Ah nice one!
I was just looking on Ebay but not a lot to choose from.
Thank you very much Sharptonn ;)


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I would advocate you try to conserve as much of the scales as possible. Certainly, one side is pretty damaged and may need replacement, but I think it would be worth checking with a knowledgeable restorer like Zak Jarvis (Voidmonster on SRP).

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Originally Posted by Maladroit

I would advocate you try to conserve as much of the scales as possible. Certainly, one side is pretty damaged and may need replacement, but I think it would be worth checking with a knowledgeable restorer like Zak Jarvis (Voidmonster on SRP).

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Hi & thanks for the advice.
I am planning on saving as much of the original scales as i can.
I've been restoring vintage Straights for nearly two years but this will be my first time working with mother of pearl, still learning. :)


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Just curious but, could those bolsters? possibly be made out of silver? That razor is a great catch and I would send it out because I would be terrified that I would screw it up. I would also try to keep a lot of the patina on the blade considering it's age. I wouldn't want it to look brand new as it obviously is pretty old!

Mike

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Originally Posted by mglindo

Just curious but, could those bolsters? possibly be made out of silver? That razor is a great catch and I would send it out because I would be terrified that I would screw it up. I would also try to keep a lot of the patina on the blade considering it's age. I wouldn't want it to look brand new as it obviously is pretty old!

Mike

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Hi Mike, I think you are correct.
I carried out some tests after de-pinning today.
I've decided to change out the mop for new ones.
I could put one new scale on but it might not match the original remaining scale.
No hallmark but carried out four tests to confirm.
1. Silver is non magnetic
2. Ice melts on them really fast as compared to ice on the blade.
3. They shine really easy, no sandpaper was used, just a buff.
4. Silver is soft as is tang, bolsters & strip around spacer.
Another tale tail sign is no rust, rust on actual blade and pins, rust that seeped into the mother of pearl but only tarnishing on bolster, tang & tail.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...815165f80a.jpg

I am so jealous. That is going to be gorgeous!


Mike

Lovely razor

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Originally Posted by mglindo

I am so jealous. That is going to be gorgeous!


Mike

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Thank you! I hope it turns out good too but i'll keep you all updated.


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Originally Posted by JOB15

Lovely razor

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Thank you :)


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It looks like you’ve got the history sorted out there.

The original MOP should be repairable, especially considering that the metal backing is providing all the structural support. I’ve never done repairs on MOP, but a quick look around and it looks like my favorite compound in the universe is the go-to for fixing it (cyanoacrylate glue).

You might find it difficult to source MOP large enough for single piece scales on that.


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Originally Posted by Voidmonster

It looks like you’ve got the history sorted out there.

The original MOP should be repairable, especially considering that the metal backing is providing all the structural support. I’ve never done repairs on MOP, but a quick look around and it looks like my favorite compound in the universe is the go-to for fixing it (cyanoacrylate glue).

You might find it difficult to source MOP large enough for single piece scales on that.


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Thank you for replying Zak & for the advice, your input & opinion is always appreciated. :)

It is indeed difficult finding replacement MOP in that size but i will continue the search.
I would love to repair and reuse the original scales but the rust stains are off putting and ruins the look of the MOP in my opinion, then there is hygiene to think of also if i’m planning on using to shave with.
Where the rust stains are i think would cause a weak point & might fracture while peening the new pins.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4a5296b5bc.jpg


I’ll still keep the original scales.
I too have not worked on MOP before so it will be a new experience.

Again thank you for replying & will keep you all updated on it’s progress.


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Ah, yeah. The rust stains are pretty bad. They're not unhygienic -- it's just iron oxide -- but they are undoubtedly unattractive on MOP.

Normally I'd suggest an ultrasonic cleaner, but I'm not sure it would do anything to that.

CA glue is surprisingly durable, but repinning that would absolutely require extreme care.

If I were doing it, I'd be breaking out every trick in the book to get the job done with minimal chance to crack that MOP.

Most likely, I'd use a nail-set and every ounce of care I could muster for the job.

Swearing a lot when I fail, too.

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Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Ah, yeah. The rust stains are pretty bad. They're not unhygienic -- it's just iron oxide -- but they are undoubtedly unattractive on MOP.

Normally I'd suggest an ultrasonic cleaner, but I'm not sure it would do anything to that.

CA glue is surprisingly durable, but repinning that would absolutely require extreme care.

If I were doing it, I'd be breaking out every trick in the book to get the job done with minimal chance to crack that MOP.

Most likely, I'd use a nail-set and every ounce of care I could muster for the job.

Swearing a lot when I fail, too.

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Aye lol you & me both! [emoji23]


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I thought of a caution on pearl, Gabe! You need to protect the lungs and the eyes from flying particles. Don't breathe the dust if using a cut-off wheel, etc.

Mask/respirator and safety-glasses at least. A fan carrying the dust away.

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

I thought of a caution on pearl, Gabe! You need to protect the lungs and the eyes from flying particles. Don't breathe the dust if using a cut-off wheel, etc.

Mask/respirator and safety-glasses at least. A fan carrying the dust away.

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Will do & thank you Sharpton, I’m asthmatic so wont be breathing in any of that.
Fan is a very good idea thank you :)


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So the new pieces of Mop arrived, I just need the Sterling silver rods,(1mm, 1.5mm & 2mm) cyanoacrylate glue, jewellers saw & the patience & technique to try cover the joins of the pieces when they are in place.
I just noticed today that even the inside washers are real silver. Attachment 277204

Have you finished the project? It'd be very interesting to see it completed.

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Originally Posted by dimab

Have you finished the project? It'd be very interesting to see it completed.

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Hi! I’m afraid it’s not finished yet, been busy with other projects but that said, I just bought more material for doing the job.
I need to buy a jewellery saw for cutting the pieces of pearl and Sterling silver wire for the pins.
Hopefully have it finished either before Christmas or January, if all goes well.
Thank you for asking, i’ll Keep you all updated.

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Originally Posted by dimab

Have you finished the project? It'd be very interesting to see it completed.

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Finished it! The last restoration of 2017! Happy New Year all!
Attachment 281432Attachment 281433Attachment 281434Attachment 281435Attachment 281436Attachment 281437

Now, this is an extraordinary work on a divine exemplar! More than worthy to signify the New Year!
Happy New Year, and congratulations on this beautiful restoration!

That’s a keeper to pass on to more generations