Fromm Red Head / Elliot Joseph

All right guys, got a second Fromm Red Head razor on ebay. Interestingly this morning I got my small scissors out to trim my moustach and noticed for the first time that they are Fromm as well, I've had them 15 years. I got the readhead for 10 bucks, good shape. few spots need some sanding/polishing out. handles loose and need repinning at the least (it hits when closing as well).

the other one was this Elliot Joseph thing
1821 ELLIOT JOSEPH - SHEFFIELD, EXCELLENT COND. - RARE - eBay (item 250277160543 end time Aug-09-08 20:58:25 PDT)

I bought it because I liked the shape of the blade. let me ask four quick questions of ya'll
1. do you think it is really that old?
2. are those somebodies initials on the blade or is that factory? (if initials they're coming off :) )
3. was the price okay? I JUST got Bill's cd in themail and haven't got to check it out so don't know how I'm doing on these ebay deals yet
4. what do you think the handles are probably made of?

thanks all. the red head by the way, I think if I just stropped it up I could shave, it came wicked sharp. at least sharp enough that the back of my hand has a nice bald spot where I tested it.

Red

Based on the style, I don't think the blade is that old. I'm really not sure about what markings were used when.
I also couldn't say if those are initals, but I can say it's not an etching I've seen on an English blade before.
The price isn't bad, but that is a serious shipping charge. I guess part of ebay is noticing the shipping and factoring that into the cost of the razor. I'd say it was a good buy.
Hard to tell from the images what the handles are, posting closeups would be helpful. Based on the color alone, they could be bone or ivory.

If you're wondering if it will shave with just stropping, the only way to find out is to try. There is really no corrolation between taking hair off your hand (personally I use my arm) and providing a good shave, but it certainly is a good sign. I say give it a shot.

I love love love that razor. Pitty though, my wallet is rather empty:(

Joseph Elliot founded his business in 1795. Production continued until around 1990. The C+C trademark was granted in 1805. The company was originally located in Hollis Croft, the works there being renamed the Granville Works around 1902. In the 1920s the business became a limited company and moved to Sylvester Street.
To me, the lettering on the blade appears not to be the initials C.E.M. but the word "GEM". Initials would generally be engraved on the scales, not the blade.
I would expect the scales to be ivory - bone is rather unusual on Sheffield razors.
My best guess at age: 1870 - 1920.

Duncan.

hey guys, got iti in the mail the other day, gave it a quick shifty and it looks to me like the scales are real ivory, I base this on them being just like the keys on the 1895 production piano that I used to own. same yellowing and grain. the blade is loose a bit and does not center because of it. going to see about getting it repinned as the scales appear to be in really good shape. I will try to get some pics.


thanks for the info, awesome Yorkshireman.

Red

we need razor porn and quick;)