What makes this razor more valuable from other Clauss?
Printable View
What makes this razor more valuable from other Clauss?
I would assume that its a military memorybillia
that means even more collectors
I owned one of the Spanish American War models, and I sold it to a Marine. I can tell you that the razor appeared to me to be a very good quality, 3/4 hollow blade, but I think the value came from its historical connection to the Marine Corps and to the war for which it was issued. There were quite a few people who were interested in purchasing, and all were either Marines or buying it to give to a Marine.
It's the USMC markings.
Do we actually know when the two models of USMC razors were issued? The Spanish-American war and WWI are good hypotheses given the spotty way the USMC was funded back in the day, but AFAIK it's just a theory...
The only "PROOF" of the validity of the claims to when the razors were issued I've seen is by members on sites such as this one.
They are also probably also not as common since they would have probably been a small percentage of the total razors made by the Clauss company even during those times.
This last part being just a chance to brag.
I have two of each. Probably paid too much for one of them but I don't care. Just a part of that "collect anything marked USMC".
Zacsdaddy
+1 to Zacsdaddy.
I have two of each and paid too much for one, but not as much as I was willing to pay.
"Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat their service as if it were some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves up to look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he were a god, and making weird animal noises like a band of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the ****iest sons of bitches I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and, generally speaking, the United States Marines I've come in contact with are the most professional soldiers and the finest men I have ever had the pleasure to meet."
--An Anonymous Canadian Citizen
Thanks - that was my suspicion. AFAIK this post is the source of this particular claim about the USMC razors, and it distresses me that an offhand supposition has somehow become misconstrued through time and repetition. Several times recently I've read this theory about the USMC Clausses stated as though it were fact, when we really *don't* know when or why these razors were made.
Wow, I can't believe how high bids on the recent ebay one went... Gotta love collectors, unless you're collecting the same thing...
I'll come clean about what I paid for mine.
I'm probably the idiot that paid the most but I don't care. I had the money and wanted the razor.
1st "WW1" $73.00 on this site.
2nd "WW1" $85.00 ebay after freight.
1st "SAW" $254.50 ebay after freight.
2nd "SAW" $65.00 ebay after freight. Posted as a "Buy it Now" and I got there first.
Since I had just seen a SAW sell here for $220.00 I felt that the one I got was worth it. Now that I have it in my hands I still feel that way. The second SAW I just got lucky and couldn't let it pass.
As they say "An items is worth whatever someone will pay for it". I agree, even when I think the person buying it is nuts.
Zacsdaddy
edited to add: Had I been able to "snipe" the first SAW I feel I would have saved over $100.00. I'm still glad I got it - at whatever price. Sometimes we're the candy bar, sometimes we're the nuts.
Not sure how the SAW compares to the WWI?
Here's a USMC photo from SRP.
For me it is a piece of unique Marine Corps history which I am tied too. If I were not a Marine I don't think that I would have one in my collection. With that in mind, I don't think that there is anything that makes it more valuable from any other Clauss.Quote:
What makes this razor more valuable from other Clauss?
I did write my buddy who works at the Marine Corps Museum to find out more about when straight razors were issued etc, hopefully he will be getting back to me with some information.
Here's a picture of the first SAW that I bought. Photo lifted off ebay but the razor's mine so I'm claiming the picture too.
http://i.ebayimg.com/12/!BjS3rzw!mk~...F4p2g~~_12.JPG
As you can see the USMC is on the left side of the blade where as the WW1 has it on the right side tang.
Unless you were refering to the shave qualities. As for that the first WW1 is a wonderful shaver. Neither the 2nd WW1 or the 1st SAW was shave ready. The 2nd SAW had been sharpened by the owner of Bob's razors but I'm pretty sure that the PO had stropped it incorrectly as it doesn't shave worth a darn.
I may send all 4 razors to someone to have them honed but it will only be to someone who will guarantee little to no honing marks on the spines.
Zacsdaddy
raghur I just noticed that your location is Monterey, Ca. Are you stationed at DLI? I tried to learn Chinese Manderian there in 1976 - 77. Too much time on the beach and not enough study was the end of that.
Zacsdaddy
The www1 razor are available t USMC at very low cost as 22$ in Original era manufacture. They are with black plastic case with a slide-off lid. As well as three black plastic safety razor inside it.
As the other Marines said, the value of this razor is the emotional connection to the USMC. I'm still searching for mine.
The one and only reason it's is worth so much you wouldn't understand if you not a member of the Brotherhood
the title of United States Marine is not just given to anyone we few we ragged ass Marines. We earned the title and no one can or will ever take it away. there are no former marines once the title has been earned it yours to keep Once a Marine Always a Marine , Jar Head , Devil Dog . And i'm sure a few others I want mention It's all about the History and we Marine are very proud of what we 've done where we 've and where we will end up next. But to answer you question it says U.S.M.C. on it Pride pure Pride one of the Greats may have used it Like Lt. Gen Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller who knows It just a Marine thing. So Ooh Rah Simper Fi . I look for them on ebay and if I can get them I look for Marines on here to pass the along to they seem to be few and far between anymore .
If I find one Brother you will be the first I contact that you can count on Simper Fi
From what I have gathered the 1st razor from SAM ware carbon steel and in the wet climate of Cuba the would rust so the 2nd generation pre WWI they were nickel plated to help keep the from rusting I am not sure where I got this information. but that was what was pasted on to me. I live about 5 miles from the main gate of Parris Island and they have a nice Museam I have been there many times and the only shaving gear on display last time I was there was a DE I have spoken with the curator and the seemed to not know a lot I did not take the razors with me because it is a Federal laws can be funny. I not sure they were issued they ay have been something that had to be bought from the PX there again I do not know for sure In my time in the Marines Enlisted Marines were issued everything they needed and Offices had to Buy there uniforms and anything else that was needed .There is a retired Sgt Maj. I know and is he knows more about the SAW than the Marines that were there Its hard to find him but as soon as I do I will be sure to post about the The Clauss U.S.M.C. Razor I will make it a point to see if his shop is open tomorrow
Good to know we have some brothers in the forum...Oorah!
I am sure you can I just didn't want to try you never know when a MP might just have a case of being a ass because he hates standing at the fat for 12 hours
Well I got outbid on an ebay offering this week. I will have to reach a little deeper in the old wallet next time perhaps. I will keep looking.
there have been very many usmc ww2 razors on ebay lately. clauss made the same model without the USMC etching. I wonder if people are buying the non etched blade and putting USMC on the shoulder. If anybody is interested check out ebay now. they used to pop up infrequently but now there on every day