Help me identify this razor as well

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06-30-2008, 07:57 PM
holli4pirating

Help me identify this razor as well

Blade width varies from 11/16 at the heal to 12/16 just shy of the toe. I can make out some of the writing on the tang (V.R. and Sheffield), but most is stained/rusted.

The scales appear to be horn, but I'm not sure if they were meant to be that dark or if they just aged badly like the blade did.

She caught my eye because with the V.R. Sheffield stamping, and also because she was only $3. I figured it must be a decent blade, and it should be a good first resto as well. The lady at the store, as she was handing it to me, asked if I'd noticed that the scales were cracked and the blade was rusted. I said "Of course I did, but it's only $3!" I didn't ask her if she'd noticed the stamps on the tang or the round point on a wedge, because I didn't want to be rude and I'm quite sure she knew nothing about razors.

Click the thumbnails for big pics.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...h_DSC_0002.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...h_DSC_0003.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...h_DSC_0004.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...h_DSC_0006.jpg
07-01-2008, 12:46 AM
thebigspendur

I can't help with the I.D but you know its a great quality English razor. Probably they are horn scales. It will take some real elbow grease to restore by hand but it certainly can be done. A dremmel would be a real help on that one. However if you keep at it you will have real treasure there.
07-01-2008, 01:49 AM
syslight

i'll add my 2 cents... 1860 to 1870... based on the shape of the blade and tail. definitely during Vicky's reign, horn scales for sure... and yes they should be fairly dark nearly black

when you sand around the name try a high grit paper first it might help you reveal the makers name... in fact a bress wire brush might even be a better starting point.
07-01-2008, 03:09 AM
holli4pirating

Thanks to you both for the info, and the advice on cleaning. I'm not sure when I'll get around to it, since I have a bunch of others that I'll likely be letting go and I'm pretty sure I want to keep this one (since I have bills, my own razors take a back seat).

I'll be sure to post info when I have some.
07-01-2008, 03:44 AM
mrbhagwan

Could that possibly read "Reynolds - Sheffield" as in Fredrick Reynolds? :shrug:
07-01-2008, 01:01 PM
holli4pirating

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbhagwan

Could that possibly read "Reynolds - Sheffield" as in Fredrick Reynolds? :shrug:

You know, I think you might be right. I'd thought the first part was "P.", but it could be a broken "R", and it looks like the spacing works out correctly. This could be mystery solved, but I guess I won't know for sure till I clean her up.

Thanks!
07-01-2008, 02:18 PM
mrbhagwan

Quote:

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

You know, I think you might be right. I'd thought the first part was "P.", but it could be a broken "R", and it looks like the spacing works out correctly. This could be mystery solved, but I guess I won't know for sure till I clean her up.

Thanks!

I could have sworn that first letter was a "P." as well at first. Your first two photos were really helpful in that I could look at it from the two different angles.

It's fun to take a crack at solving these little mysteries!
07-02-2008, 07:17 AM
kdc

Another 2 cents worth...
V.R. (under the crown)...Victoria Regent?
I agree it looks like Reynolds is the maker.
Dave
12-12-2013, 09:42 PM
seacaptainchris

F.R was stamped on Frederick Reynolds tangs vertically ,and name was spelled out horizontal.yours looks like a v,and its a first for me to see the crown,but the resemblance is def there.
12-13-2013, 04:34 AM
ScienceGuy

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdc

Another 2 cents worth...
V.R. (under the crown)...Victoria Regent?
I agree it looks like Reynolds is the maker.
Dave

Not Regent but Regina (= queen). Regent only applied to George IV while his father was incapacitated. Could be Frederick Reynolds from an earlier mark, I'm not sure what his stamp history was.