Thread: Help in Identification

I recently inherited a couple of straight razors and have no clue as to their heritage. I will include a couple of pictures (when I figure out how)... any help would be appreciated. They both have stampings but I have not had much luck finding any information on the net that would help me.

One of the razors has R.S.Whitman on the handle, but I am thinking that was the original owners name. On the shank of the blade is stamped the following:

John Clarke & Son
Shef N.E.V.A. Field
Corporate Mark

The other razor has an intricate raised design and is has the following stamped on the shank:

Fenn & Thayer
Cooperstown, N.Y.
Made in Germany

Thanks in advance

AZEagle

Pictures...

Welcome to SRP and thanks for sharing the pics! I don't know much about the manufacturers but those are two gorgeous razors with equally gorgeous scales (handles).

The Clarke looks like ivory. Also, the tang mark is "SHEFFIELD" as in Sheffield, England -- the word is separated for style.

The Fenn & Thayer has nice decorative celluloid scales. There were many old US department stores/companies that would stamp their names on German razors and it's quite common to see an old US blade also contain "Made in Germany" as this one was.

One of the historical gurus can probably chime in with more information on the history of Clarke and maybe even the Fenn & Thayer.

Do you plan on using a straight to shave?

Welcome to SRP.
I could find nothing about Fenn & Thayer now.
But John Clarke & Son is something beautiful, very nice razor.
The handle and the tang look like ivory.
John Clarke & Son(s), (1892)-1921. Located Harvest Lane, Sheffield.

Hi AZ Eagle!

Those are lovely razors!

According to The Western Druggist, page 505, Volume 17 (Nov. 1895 issue), Fenn and Thayer were "Druggists" (I guess that's 19th century-speak for a pharmicist ) in Cooperstown NY. The Thayers were William A. Thayer, who succeeded his son, Dr. George C. Thayer in the family business. No word on the activities of Mr. Fenn.

I expect Commiecat is right on in his assessment.

Originally Posted by commiecat

Welcome to SRP and thanks for sharing the pics! I don't know much about the manufacturers but those are two gorgeous razors with equally gorgeous scales (handles).

The Clarke looks like ivory. Also, the tang mark is "SHEFFIELD" as in Sheffield, England -- the word is separated for style.

The Fenn & Thayer has nice decorative celluloid scales. There were many old US department stores/companies that would stamp their names on German razors and it's quite common to see an old US blade also contain "Made in Germany" as this one was.

One of the historical gurus can probably chime in with more information on the history of Clarke and maybe even the Fenn & Thayer.

Do you plan on using a straight to shave?

Thank you for the compliments. Both razors, though sharp enough to shave off forearm hair, I do not think they are sharp enough for face shaves. I was thinking about giving it a try, but I would need to find a competent sharpner to bring these blades to proper shaving sharpness. I would also like to know what I should use to clean the scales without degrading the value of these razors. Anyone in the Phoenix area the board can recommend for sharpening?

Thanks,

AZEagle

i don't care for the german one, but the clarke is really nice. that's scrimshawed ivory scales and ivory tang - very nice. I have some razors like that too and love them.

A beautiful pair of razors and a nice case to keep them in-congratulations!
The John Clarke is surely ivory, and uncracked, too. They both deserve expert honing, and will serve you well if you choose to shave with them.

++1 on the advice offerd in the previous posts. By all means, get both of those razors expertly honed. They are real vintage beauties.

The Clarkson has a covered tang, making it all the more beautiful and rare.

Originally Posted by AZEagle

Thank you for the compliments. Both razors, though sharp enough to shave off forearm hair, I do not think they are sharp enough for face shaves. I was thinking about giving it a try, but I would need to find a competent sharpner to bring these blades to proper shaving sharpness. I would also like to know what I should use to clean the scales without degrading the value of these razors. Anyone in the Phoenix area the board can recommend for sharpening?

Thanks,

AZEagle

Take a look at our Member Services page for people who hone and/or restore razors. The Clarke is definitely a gem assuming the rest of the blade is in good condition with no chips or cracks.

I don't have much experience with ivory but I think some metal polish (e.g. Maas, Flitz) would shine those scales up. If you also choose to clean the tang, be careful of (or just avoid) the maker's mark as it looks to be worn thin a bit already.

For the decorative celluloid scales, which are more collectible than the Fenn & Thayer razor, I think you'd be fine with a toothbrush with some soap and water to get into all the recesses. A Q-tip or rag with some metal polish would be good to get the inside of the scales on both razors. Make sure the actual razor is dry when you're done cleaning.

They both look like they'd be great shavers so please keep us posted should you decide to send either of them out for future use!