A. Witte Copperhead NOS

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07-13-2020, 11:31 AM
Jgreenepa

3 Attachment(s)

A. Witte Copperhead NOS

I have learned from this site that A. Witte was active from 1880 - 1930. I just unexpectedly won this Copperhead razor that appears in excellent condition.
The description read:
“This is a vintage A. Witte "Copper Head" straight razor with copper-colored marbled-design celluloid scales and a 5/8 inch wide (.62" - .64") blade. The tang is marked, "Copper Head," along with a snake trademark, and "Full Concaved, A.Witte, Germany," on the reverse

The blade shows no unmagnified evidence of hone wear. There are no nicks in the cutting edge and the instrument is free of any cracks. The blade has a 2 3/4 inch cutting edge and is the original full length. The blade is not spotted with surface rust or pitting. The scales aren't cracked but have a slight curve. The blade centers nicely and fits snugly between the scales. The razor comes in the original box, which is in outstanding condition.

Inscription on a paper inside the box reads, "Henrey honed this blade May 15, 1939".

It appears to be NOS. is there anything else the experts can tell me about this razor?

Attachment 322195
Attachment 322196
Attachment 322197
07-13-2020, 12:12 PM
BobH

Looks like you got yourself a nice vintage razor. This site https://www.archivingindustry.com/cu...azormakers.htm shows 3 Witte makers in Solingen but not an A Witte.

Bob
07-13-2020, 12:34 PM
Jgreenepa

Thanks, Bob. A. Witte stands for Alexis Witte who was active in New York City during the same period. May have been a family member who handled the import end of the business. Either the depression or WW2 may have spelled the end of the business. I’m just wondering whether anyone knows any more than you or me?
07-13-2020, 12:48 PM
Jgreenepa

Please excuse me; I’m new here, but just discovered over on B&B that A. Witte built a factory in Brooklyn, NY in 1917 where they began manufacturing razors in the US. They imported razors from Germany and after 1917 manufactured razors in the U.S. Copper Head was one of their brands along with Classic, Hustler, Witte, Goldbug, Solace, The Lily, Beauty.
07-13-2020, 01:12 PM
BobH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgreenepa

Thanks, Bob. A. Witte stands for Alexis Witte who was active in New York City during the same period. May have been a family member who handled the import end of the business. Either the depression or WW2 may have spelled the end of the business. I’m just wondering whether anyone knows any more than you or me?

Yup, that is often the case where an importer's name appears on the razor not the makers name with only the country of origin stamped.

Bob