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Hey everyone. I recently bought a straight razor, and I don't have much information about it. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about when/who made it. I have been unable to find anything on google.
The razor is marked with "M.Bienkowski" and "52" as well as a depiction of a bird with a ring in its mouth. I've attached some pictures. Any information is appreciated! I am especially interested in around what year it may have come from.
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Pipe razor ?
I think that line of corrosion on the tang has you thinking pipe, Randy?
I think German and early 20th century, but not listed here...https://www.archivingindustry.com/cu...azormakers.htm
Lots of German makers were conglomerated by the Nazis, never to be seen again.
Then the bombing of Solingen and other industrial sectors took out lots more as well as any records of their existence.
Before WWII, there were thousands upon thousands of skilled firms. Sadly, another effect of war.
It could also be from an eastern European country. We may never find out.
or... it was made by M. Bienkowski and this was his 52nd one. That's a stork with a cradle underneath bring them a baby.
Possible? I doubt it but anything is possible.
I agree with Tom. It looks German to me and from early part of the 20th century also; prewar most likely.The number 52 is a style number and may lend you some clues. Style numbers became mostly prominent in the early 20th century. And very common to German makers.
I believe this is a contract razor. Often the manufacturer would make razors for hardware stores, cosmetic companies etc., think Craftsman or Kenmore. Sears didn't make anything their name was on. They were all contract products from their competitors. Often they (razor manufacturers that is) would still put their own style number on them. Interestingly, and it may be what Randy was referring to that Tom mentions, Wostenholm put their pipe on razors with contract maker names on the other side which were just rebranded pipe razors. I have one which says Hart Hardware on the blade face and the pipe on one side and Wostenholm's tang stamping on the other.
Oh good, I found some pictures
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You may want to do a search under "straight razor 52" and see if you find another known c contract made similarly which will reveal the actual manufacturer. Or it may lead you directly to the manufacturer.
I'm thinking it looks like an Imperial shape, or maybe Ern. Ern actually ground blades for a huge number of other companies in their hay day.
What do you think Tom?
Here are some examples.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/20466888433...mis&media=COPY
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...o-52-505904485
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...azor-158891761
Edit: I found these searching "#52 straight razor."
Found this under just "bienkowski."
https://sharprazorpalace.com/razors/...tml#post462014
Good work, Paul!
So we can deduce Bienkowski was a retailer/dealer. Somewhere?
Hold the Phone, Randy! It may be a Pipe after all! :)
Pretty sure it's NOT a pipe although I wouldn't say anything for absolute sure. It sure smells like a contract made by one of the big German grinders but it does seem like there would be more products out there under that name if it were; scissors, soaps, brushes, something, at least if they were a barber/beauty supply. That last link from SRP back in '09 the OP said the same thing: no information to be found. Maybe it's just a very obscure small cutler?
Although...
I did find out what the stamp with the bird is. It's from the Bienkowski Coat of Arms.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bie%...i_coat_of_arms
Appears to be Polish. There was also a.notable Polish pilot in WWII with that name, Zygmunt Bienkowski.
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Thanks guys. I have to rescind my statement. The curvature of that mark is wrong. Sorry!
I should wait until I have my 2nd cup of coffee before I post anything. :)
M. Wojciech Bienkowski was president of the polish corporation of cutlers and jury member of the great exhibition in Paris 1889.
His fabrication in Varsovie-Warschau, capital city of Poland, with around 50 employes around 1900 was specialized in knifes and scissors as well as veterinary instruments.
Here ist an extract of Camille Pages „La Coutellerie depuis l’origine jusu’a nos jours“ from 1904
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50,000 Roubles a year in 1904, rough calculations would have equated to $39,850 which today would be worth $1,489,958.29. Not that obscure really.
I notice it doesn't mention razors. I still wonder if he didn't contract those out to a major German maker especially since it has that common style number. seems as though they would obviously make them in house but then people think it obvious that a skilled knife sharpener would by default be good at honing razors so...:shrug:
Thanks for that information. You must have better eyes than I do. I searched pretty thoroughly. :tu
That name was speaking to me......Polish! Thanks hatzicho!! :bow
Hey everyone. I would like to offer you all my genuine heartfelt thanks for taking the time out of your days to help me learn more about my new razor. I appreciate all of your replies!
That's what it's all about.
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Well I think at least the blanket might have been coming from Germany. 52 was a typical number that for example Puma has used quite often. Could also be ground in Germany, but eastern Europe did have very good grinders by their own, especially Hungary but also Poland.Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulFLUS
Wow! Great find! Thank you so much!
Hi, a very interesting mark. For over 100 years, the Bieńkowski knife factory operated in Poland, and it was one of the largest knife manufacturers in the country. Among other things, they produced razors.
The known marks that were placed on products from this factory include: S. Bieńkowski, W. Bieńkowski, and Bieńkowski. I have never seen the mark M. Bieńkowski, but the history of this company is not fully uncovered. Here you can see some pictures of marks from Bieńkowski factory products:
Punce i sygnatury polskich twórców oraz producentów noży, Navaja.pl - Pierwsza polska strona o navajas
Hubert
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