Thread: What brand is this?

I finally found an antique's shop in the city that had razors. Most of them were in quite poor condition, but there were two or three that looked like they could be fixed up.

One was a Joseph Wildt Düsseldorf 6/8-ish that looked okay, but I have a question about the other one. It was a wedge that looked quite nice. I couldn't make out the brand but it felt like I'd seen the mark before, is there anyone who recognises the mark and knows which brand it is? I'm sorry about the poor pic quality.

That is the Masons sign, But as I understand it there was more than one manufacturer who Would use this mark! I don't know but I suspect they were specifically made for the Masons members. Someone correct me if I am wrong,

Ah, thanks for identifying it. Not long ago there was someone else who had gotten himself a freemason razor, but his had elaborate etchings on the blade, this one is completely blank. Anyway, I can't make out the text above the mark, and I think the back of the tang as well as the blade and scales were unmarked.

Not being a mason myself, and already in the possesion of some mystery razors (ie. razors that just say "Solingen" etc), I think I'll let that lie in the shop for someone else. Of course if there's someone here who has interest in the razor and wants more pics just let me know, I go past the shop regularly.

Originally Posted by bjrn

Ah, thanks for identifying it. Not long ago there was someone else who had gotten himself a freemason razor, but his had elaborate etchings on the blade, this one is completely blank. Anyway, I can't make out the text above the mark, and I think the back of the tang as well as the blade and scales were unmarked.

Not being a mason myself, and already in the possesion of some mystery razors (ie. razors that just say "Solingen" etc), I think I'll let that lie in the shop for someone else. Of course if there's someone here who has interest in the razor and wants more pics just let me know, I go past the shop regularly.

I collect Masonic razors. Is it in good shape?

This is as I recall, they had a small heap of razors so I'm not completely sure. As you can see there is a little bit of rust on the tang near the pin, I think the blade (a 6/8 wedge) itself had a little bit of pitting on it, but otherwise in decent condition. Scales in bakelite were undamaged. 10 euro pricetag.

But, as I said, I might be wrong. I'll gladly go by the shop again sometime this week and take some more pics (or just checking and reporting back) if you want.

I'd love to see pics if it's not too much trouble. Thanks, J.

if you look closely you'll see that says " John Barber"

here's a quote from my post on Brunos thread earlier this year when he bought one:

"it is a Sheffield razor!,I knew I'd seen the mark somewhere ,

It's in my Goins book I had ( unfortunately loaned out at the moment), but I did some digging and found this reference online

"BARBER, JOHN
Sheffield
Trademark: Square and Compasses
1810 - 1834 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267)"


and you'll probably find the scales are something other than bakelite as I advised Bruno,

hope this helps some

Very interesting. Thanks!