First Antique Store Rescue, Boker, How'd I do?
Well, I hit a local antique store and saw a lot of things to get my hopes up, then dash them completely (like a DD for $45 that when opened had the blade broken in half, lengthwise). I did however, make one purchase and I would like to know if anyone could help me identify the razor and approximate a value.
Sorry for the lack of pictures, I'm not currently set up for photographing razors.
I found a boker straight with box. Box is very worn though still holds its shape, not torn, and most of the writing can still be made out. Box reads H. Boker & Co's Unrivaled Razor, Germany. Top of box has a stamp of a tree and MAI*.
The blade is of a middle size (4/8-6/8, sorry, no measuring tape at hand), square point with a very elegant swoop of the spine. Blade etching is fully visible and reads Extra Hollow Ground Fully Warranted. Monkey tail is somewhat short though not tiny. Tang has no jimps. Tang reads H. Boker & Co with a stamp of a tree on one side and Germany on the other. The scales are the only downside. They appear to be horn but are full of nicks and pits. No cracks, pins (2) look good, and blade sits centered and does not touch the scales. Though they seem to be rotten, the scales hold up to a good firm squeeze and do not contact the blade.
Blade was quite tarnished when I got it, but a quick light pass with 220 grit wet/dry cleaned it up quite a bit and did not wear away the blade etching. I've begun to believe that there is only patina and no pitting on the steel at all. There are three tiny spot stains that seem more stubborn.
The blade is not shave ready, but shows no signs of chips to the naked eye, I would call it "kitchen knife sharp"
All in all I paid $22.50.
So a few quick questions:
If it were your razor to restore, would you rescale it or leave the old horn (ugly but functional)
Should I remove the pins so as to be able to sand the entire blade?
What steps would you take to make her beautiful?
If I were to sell or trade her what do you think I should ask for?
Thanks,
Jordan
