Thread: Goldbug or Gold Bug Black Diamond

Does this brand ring a bell with anyone? Know where i can find some information? It was made in Germany, I do know that. Found it at antique store and wanting to get information so I can determine if this is a good deal or not.

There are two razors named Gold Bug that I am aware of, one German and one American. The German one is stamped Witte, and the American one is stamped SR Droescher (although some Droeschers also came from Germany).

According to Uniclectica, A. Witte Cutlery is listed as being in New York, but the Witte Razors I've seen are all stamped Germany, so perhaps Witte was really an importer. They are listed as operating between 1880 - 1930. Here's a link to the SRP wiki entry for the Witte Gold Bug.

The SR Droescher Gold Bug is an American Razor, made sometime in the 1891 - 1924 time frame. The SRP wiki link to the Droescher Gold Bug is here. Droescher made some razors in the USA, and apparently imported some others from Solingen, Germany.

Both the Witte and Droescher razors have good reputations as shavers. The Droescher I linked to in the Wiki is mine, so I can vouch for it being a very good shaver.

I don't know about a Black Diamond, but Droescher also sold a Blue Diamond, which is a Solingen razor. The SRP wiki link to it is here.

Hope this helps. Can you take any pictures of the razors and post them? Then we could know for sure. Particularly close-ups of the tang stampings showing the maker info. That may not be practical if you haven't bought them yet.

Would $33 USD be fair, a great deal or a ripoff?

From what I recall, it looks a LOT like this: Droescher, S R "Gold Bug" 7/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I saw in antique shop. Has a few tiny spots that could probably wipe right off the blade with some decent cleaner/ polish. Other than that, the finish and scales and all in all, seems fine.

One more company.
Trademark "Gold Bug" was used by Crown Razor Co., Germany, 1900 - 1930.

Originally Posted by manah

One more company.
Trademark "Gold Bug" was used by Crown Razor Co., Germany, 1900 - 1930.

Thanks, I didn't know that. Crown made great razors too, so if it's any of these three makers it's a winner.

Originally Posted by rickboone

From what I recall, it looks a LOT like this: Droescher, S R "Gold Bug" 7/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I saw in antique shop. Has a few tiny spots that could probably wipe right off the blade with some decent cleaner/ polish. Other than that, the finish and scales and all in all, seems fine.

Rick, the price you listed above sounds good for just about any vintage German or American razor that isn't broken, pitted, or otherwise ruined. Since you feel like it may be like the Droescher Gold Bug listed in the wiki, here's another somewhat better picture of that same razor. The tang of this Gold Bug razor still has the gold wash intact. Another thing I note about this razor is that it was one of the easiest to hone into top shape of any that I've ever tried:

there is 2 different maker out there. they both good razor's . GL

Also, throwing one in of the Gillette I picked up. Has a wee bit of plating loss on the head, not enough to effect performance I wouldn't think. I shined it up some.

Mismatched box. That razor has nothing to do with Gold Bug. A very very common situation when you buy vintage razors, the box is not related to the razor.

It appears to have pitting on the edge which may or may not yield a problem after honing.

Chris L

Well, that's just grand. I knew I should've just bought from the classifieds here.

Know anything about this brand? Worth a crap?