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I was at an antique store today and came across a few very nice razors...
I would like to get some opinions on the value of these.
Before I post pics and info on them I just want to make sure it's OK to do so, or that I'm in the right forum....I can't imagine why it wouldn't, but being rather new here I'd still like the approval...
You're in the right forum. We'd all love to see what you found. Pics please!
I don't want to post the prices yet, because I'd like to get some honest, unbiased opinions on their value.... and I know, it's very subjective....
Here's a Joseph Rodgers and Sons (what looks to me to be) Wedge set, 6/8 or 13/16? Didn't have my measuring tape with me, nor my good camera...sorry for the cell phone pics. Didn't take backside shots because they were as good as the front side... Not 100% on the scales, but IIRC I don't think they were plastic/bakelite
Case:
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/att...1&d=1238634246
Razor #1 (previewing the post - this looks like it has a frown, I can assure you it doesn't - just a bad pic)
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/att...2&d=1238634250
Razor #2
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/att...3&d=1238634255
I can't for the life of me recall what this one was.....I didn't write it down figuring I'd remember it, and now I can't remember.... I don't think it was an off brand though... I do believe the scales to be ivory or bone, too...
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/att...4&d=1238634261
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/att...5&d=1238634267
The staining on the back here was actually some kind of "gunk" that I think would come off with sanding...it was raised up off the blade (I hope that makes sense...)
http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/att...6&d=1238634275
That gunk looks like massive pitting to me. Don't buy it. Unless you want the scales, which are kind of cool. tbh. Might be ivory.
The first two look identical, but clearly aren't. However, they're in pretty good condition. See if you can get them for $40 apiece. I wouldn't pay anymore. Actually, I wouldn't even bother with an antique store unless you can hone your own razors at the very least.
Those two Joseph Rogers are beauties. Do they come in a double coffin, or are the boxed seperately? I agree with Leighton on his $40 maximum, unless they are a matched set, then I might go a little higher. The
third razor, I believe, is very old judging from its stubby tail and its unusual tang and spine. Also those scales look to me to be scrimshawed. If you think that the blade would clean up and look presentable, that guy would bring over $100 on that internet auction site IMHO.
Regards - Walt
They came in that case that is the first pic. I guess you could call that a double coffin....it held both razors....There was actually a second set, too, but not Joseph Rodgers, but there was so much wear on both blades there was no chance of salvaging them....Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt
Thanks for the info, guys...
If you decide to buy the last one and you want to PM me (before or after), I am sure we'll find a good agreement.
Razor 3 looks like a Frameback if it is and you would be willing to post it on to the UK I would send you depending on price and better pic's http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/ima...ilies/wink.gif the money, I do love those Framebacks as a lot of folks will tell you http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/ima...es/biggrin.gif
Malcolm
A copy of "Standard GuideTo Razors, Third Edition" , by Roy Rictchie & Ron Stewart can be helpful in taking some of the subjectivity and guesswork out of evaluating. Well worth the $12.95 cover price (cheaper on line).
Here are the prices as listed:
Joseph Rodgers 2 razor set w/ case: $125
Hunting Scene: $150
I'm considering the JR set for myself, although it seems very high to me, but I'd be happy to pick up the other one for someone as long as tax, shipping/packaging, etc... are taken into account.... PM me if you're still interested.
Thanks for that suggestion, maierar! I totally forgot about that book....added to my list now!
EDIT: I thought both prices were very, very high, IMO, but I wasn't sure what kind of price carved ivory scales would command.... maybe they were priced about right? Thanks guys, because I see that I was thinking correctly - too high...
You put that rusty frameback on ebay with some good photos and the scale collectors will pay a premium for the hunting scene scrimshawed on the ivory. They don't shave with them so the integrity of the blade isn't as important to them as the scales.
In Collecting Straight Razors by Robert Doyle he says that it is getting harder to find double coffins with the original razors in them. That was published in 1980 so being pre internet things may have changed. If I found those I would buy them for sure.
Good gawd those are high prices.
Someone here said it before in another post but I try to never go any higher than $35-$40 dollars on a razor that's going to take a good deal of time to bring back to life.
I was even able to grab a 7/8 W&B celebrated on Ebay for $45 a month ago, patience is the only requisite.
If a razor needs almost no work I'll pay more but you need to judge that personally obviously. There are always very good deals in the classifieds here so if I decide to buy a project it needs to be in the inexpensive category, too many better restorers out there than I.
The Frameback is overpriced the scales are broken on the back just over the pin more interested in the razor than the scales, love Framebacks
Malcolm
Frameback fancier
On the JR set: they are great! Ask if the guy will take $100 for the pair and if so, buy them. If not, buy them anyway. Scales look like they are probably Ivory if they aren't any kind of plastic/fake material- don't take my word for it though. On second thought- ask if the guy would take $90 so if he comes back with a price he might say $100.
Just my observation on the subject of antique shop pricing. I personally really enjoy the hunt, both to find the razors and to find the antique shop where the razors are hidden. Yes, hidden. I have found at least in this area that some antique dealers kinda know what they have in razors and mark the prices up without regard to the work needed to restore. Then there are other shops that hide the razors in a box and have no idea what they have. At least it seems that way based on razors being priced in the $12-$15 range and worth $20-$50 after cleaning and honing. I have my eye on a W&B Wedge with engraved blade "Patriot or Patriotic. Appears to be quit old judging by the scale style which is wood and very flat. I estimate 1850-1870s. Unfortunately the blade needs a good honing to remove edge divots and a really good cleaning. Also unfortunately the asking price is $160. This one in another out of the way shop could go for considerably less.
So the pricing IMHO at the antique shops is largely dependant of the shop owners knowledge of his inventory and the location of the shop.
Happy & successful hunting!!!!
Sounds like an antique shop owner that is familiar with ebay. A lot of them have an unrealistic view of what razors are worth. A case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by mkevenson