Geo. Wostenholm & Sons w/patina

So I picked up this guy a couple days ago at a local antique store for $20...A Geo. Wostenholm & Sons full hollow 5/8. It shaves alright but could use a bit of fine tuning on the hones. My question is...I like the nice even patina on it and it doesn't have any rust...would you keep the patina or break out the papers and go to work?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ostenholm1.jpg

Question 2: I can't seem to date this guy...it's full hollow, bears the 'Eng.' stamp under the Sheffield, has some really nice bakelite scales (it didn't pass muster as celluloid so I'm left with some other idea for an early synthetic scale material unless it's been rescaled). For all I know having these characteristics dates the razor to about 1890, but the information I have on Geo. Wosty and Sons says that production ended in 1847...eh? :confused:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ostenholm2.jpg

I'd leave it, I have a W&B 7/8 that's been left alone and I have no desire to make it sparkly shiney

You answered your own question! You said you like the patina, well, me too! To each his own, but old razors are like old guns. The age shows the character. I've got an old side by side shotgun that I wouldn't re-blue for anything. It would make it look new, and if I wanted new, I would've bought new! Now on the other hand, I do restore razors, so I sometimes like the mirror finish, but I'm usually selling those. The ones that aged well, I keep for myself. Just me.

Great find! Aren't local finds just GREAT!! As for the patina, it works just fine with it on and hand sanding is a lot of work. If you really want it if just hit it with some Maas and rub away. It should get most of that type of patina off. Good luck.

I'd leave the patina brother. I think it looks awesome how it is. Great find
Grant.

I guess I'm in the minority. I prefer a blade that looks brand new. But if the patina's what you like, leave it.

Completely a matter of preference.

but....

1. You did kinda answer your own question

2. People go to a LOT of trouble to get a good patina...without having to wait 10-20-30 years.