Thread: Newbie needing help with a flea market find

I went to the flea market today and found a few straight razors but only picked up one. I've attached some pictures and scans. It's an Imperial from Germany but I'm only familiar with this maker because they're listed in the quality German list in the Interactive Guide. Any other info would be most appreciated. Any idea as to what the scale material is or what its manufacture date might be?

I haven't started cleaning it up yet but it doesn't appear to be in too bad condition. I'm going to soak it in Dawn and warm water and scrub the blade a bit with a toothbrush. I don't know what the scales are made of but they have a grain to them so I assume bone? Any special instruction on cleaning those?

You guys are a fantastic resource and I appreciate any suggestions you might have.

I don't know if this is the right subforum to post this in. If it's not, please forgive me.

I have a few razors that are simply celluloid scaled and have that same look and pattern. Some shysters refer to the type of celluloid I'm referring to as "French Ivory" to capitalize on the ivory reference.

I like the upward curve of that monkey tail. I have a Gilchrist razor that does the same thing and that upward curve just wraps around the ring finger like no other razor I have.

It should restore nicely if done properly.

Chris L

Hey Chris! They may not be shysters as French ivory is what imitation ivory has been called for as long as I can remember!
Here is a link you might be interested in.

thats an ok find actually, a little cleaning and a clean with some Maas,Flitz or whatever will really see what you have there, but the explanation from ChrisL is definately better than I could offer, im more of a user than a reference so I will leave it up to those who are good at this....hope it serves you well

simon