Thread: Info Request for Mother-of-Pearl razor!

Welcome to SRP. I've never seen a more beautifully decorated razor. I couldn't begin to guess who made them but they are obviously of the highest quality. Great score.

Thanks, Jimmy. The scales (very hard not to write "handles" here) of both razors are identical, left and right, save for the narrow silver name plate that is just on one side of each razor. The IMPROVED SILVER STEEL stamping is on both blades but the etched motifs on the blade of the "Fame" razor are different from those on the "Peace" razor pictured here.

Take care,
Jim

Taking a fresh look at Robert Doyle's "Collecting Straight Razors"(out of print) I note that silver steel was invented in 1820 by Michael Faraday. The practice of etching full across the face of the blade became popular beginning around 1830. Finally the slight curve of the scales would also indicate a post 1820 mfg. This is according to the Doyle book. It is really a shame that the maker's name wasn't stamped on the tang. The workmanship is obviously impeccable. Doyle says that very few pearl handled razors from that era have survived due to the delicate nature of the material. I can testify that in years of seeing them on ebay I've seen very few and fewer with no cracks.

Thank you, Tim & Jimmy, for your referencing the two razor collecting books. Other than finding bits and pieces from them online, I had no access to them. I did see where silvered steel had been invented rather early but thought that the use of the word "IMPROVED" might indicate a later date of manufacture. As time permits, I'll add more photographs to this thread, plus measurements and other pertinent information relevant to both razors. It's a shame that the gorgeous spectral sheen of the Mother of Pearl just doesn't convey very well in an image. These really must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Thanks again for your interest.

Jim

Wow, that is one beautiful razor and scale! I bet this belonged to a somebody.

Pabster

Defenatly not something that would be found in my collection HAHA. Absolutly beautiful, I'd be scared to use it and break it

Absolutely Gorgeous! They may have been made for a very wealthy client or even Royalty.

Real beauties-very, very rare to see MOP carved and decorated in such detail. You are probably one of the few men in the world who has a razor like this. No way to ID the maker that I know of, except that they had to be custom made for a wealthy individual.

Gentlemen:

The artwork on the razor is exquisite. Yet I cannot help but wonder about the story behind such a razor.

Regards,
Obie