I just bought a Clark & Hall vintage razor

[kcarlisle]

I can't get a picture of it yet but I was hoping someone may know something of a Clark & Hall I just purchased. I'm so excited about this one because I'm pretty sure it's over 200 years old. I was hoping someone might know some history on it. I've been in the Wiki and all that's shown in there is one razor for them. What makes me so curious of this one is that it has absolutley no monkey's tail on the tang and has "Clark & Hall" with "Cast steel" underneath. The dates shown for Clark & Hall's existence is 1797 to 1823. Considering the absence of the monkey's tail, and from what I've read, it has to be a very early razor. The blade is a square spike point with a single shoulder, straight horn scales. Has anyone ever seen a razor like this. I'm thinking this one may be one of thier first razors ever in production. Thanks!

[JimmyHAD]

I've had a couple of them over the years and they do go way back. Stub tailed shavers. There may be some in that razor club here. If not Manah will probably be able to tell you more on their history.

[kcarlisle]

Is this another SRP member or another organization outside of SRP? I'm so curious of this razor. The older it is, the happier I am. I went to the link you provided and found the stub tailed shavers in there still had somewhat of a tail. This one only has a stub without any "hook" at all. It maybe protrudes from the pivot pin about 1/4". Thanks so much for the reply! I can't wait to get my hands on it and hopefully shave with it. The blade appears to be in great shape considering the age. I've bought razors within 50yrs of age in much worse shape. Thanks!

[holli4pirating]

Manah is a forum member; his username is Manah.

[JimmyHAD]

Is this another SRP member or another organization outside of SRP? I'm so curious of this razor. The older it is, the happier I am. I went to the link you provided and found the stub tailed shavers in there still had somewhat of a tail. This one only has a stub without any "hook" at all. It maybe protrudes from the pivot pin about 1/4". Thanks so much for the reply! I can't wait to get my hands on it and hopefully shave with it. The blade appears to be in great shape considering the age. I've bought razors within 50yrs of age in much worse shape. Thanks!

If it doesn't have a tail and it has straight scales with no curve it is likely late 1700s to early 1800s. No distinct tang would be earlier than later as well. Here is manah's website which is great to browse if you're a razor freak like me.