Thread: Engleswerk find

I went another round of antique stores and came across this Engleswerk that I thought would be worthy of mention.

I examined the blade with a magnifying glass, no nicks that I could see.

The handle was yellow, could have been bone, no cracks, no major rust in the pins. The blade, petina with just a few horizontal scratches from heel to toe.

But the handle, it was intricately designed, I noticed what looked like animals, a cross, a sunrise, it was a pretty piece.

THe seller wanted like 75 for it.

What do you think? Too much?


I don't want to make a habit of describing these razors to people here because theres no way to appraise one, but it was in much better condition than the one that I saw the other day the lady wanted 32 for.

Eric
Rhythmicons

Please post a picture in a good quality.

It's kinda like you said, "I don't want to make a habit of describing these razors to people here because theres no way to appraise one"

However, one word: Those scales sure sound interesting. They may be so pretty that they appeal to people that collect straight razors. It may also be that the scales are not original. Or perhaps they are. They may be so special and pretty the shop owner set an extra high price because of them..

Just remember that we, as the shaving bunch, generally value the other end a lot higher

A picture is worth 1000 words. What you discribe sounds interesting, would like to see it.

Yes without a picture its like saying you saw BIGFOOT. Not to mention we just love razor porn.

picture please??

I recommend spending time on eBay. watch alot of auctions on straights, lookup alot of completed listings, you'll get a feel for what the market value is, at least the market value on ebay. My experience is that it is usually higher on eBay than at a local flea market/auction, but close to the same for a local antique shop.
After doing this you will develop your own value list. For instance, you could say that a good shaver, not fancy but professionally honed, brand new can go for about $90-100. Therefore, you may not want to pay more than $75 for a razor that is claimed to be 'shave ready', but is kind of plain. The real fancy restored razors seem to go for about $225-300, with a new balsa strop. So what would it cost to pay one of these guys to restore one for you? Subtract the price.
If you are going to restore it yourself, I would be wary of paying too high of a price for any razor until I have had experience with a few. For instance, I bought a few of the Bay, but for around $10 each. First one I tried I ruined the blade. I also have broken a couple of handles trying to disassemble them. There is a steep learning curve in all of this.
Asking someone else if they think it is a good price probably won't tell you much. It all depends on why you/they want it. I personally don't value the figurative celluloid handles very highly. I like inlays, and bolsters. But that is just me. Someone else might hate inlays, but is trying to collect every different color of Celluloid there is. Then there is the issue of the blade. To some gus it's the name, others it's the shape.
Sorry to go on for awhile here. What I am trying to say is only you can determine if it is a good price, and the determination is based on why you want it and how much it means to you, and what your means are. Spend a few days on eBay, you'll quickly find a reasonable assessment of the market prices, but only YOU can determine what your price is.
Just my opinion. Hope this helps, if not, just ignore me.

Alright Gents,
I absolutely couldn't resist, and I joined he club.

Here are some pics:

[IMG][/IMG]

Now Heres what I think about this razor....i know nothing about trying to appraise them so before any of you comment, tell me if Im in the right direction.


1. I want to say that these probably aren't the original scales/pins. It doesn't seem to want to close as easy as some of the others I have handled. Its like you have to close it very carefully, but they do look really really nice and detailed.

2. I don't think its the original box. THe guy told me that it was, and I couldn't get a good photo of the lid, but its an Engelswerk blade in a different companies box.

Im thinking that someone restored it at one point with some custom scales and sold it.

I paid 75 bucks for it. Based on your opinions, do you think I got screwed?

THe lid on the box reads
Coln a/ Rhein
Marzellenstr. 27

Rob Assman
Dampfschleiferei



Eric