Thread: What razor is this?

touchdown was right, it is a Joseph Smith & Sons.... BUT, it looks like he inadvertently gave you the info for Joseph Rogers and Sons (understandable as there are SO many Jos. Rogers blades floating around out there you can't swat at a fly without hitting one... causing 'Rogers' to sort of get 'locked in your brain' when you see the name Joseph on an older razor).

From Goin's Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings:

Joseph Smith & Sons, Sheffield England
c1825-1953 Joseph Smith was located at 44 Coalpit Lane, Sheffield, England. Joseph Allen & Son, also of Sheffield, starting using their name in 1953.

Judging by the shape of the blade and tang, I'd estimate the Smith razor you there is from the mid-to-late 1800's (e.g. post-1850). Hard to say for sure though as it is possible that shape carried over into the early 1900's...

The specifics of the maker's mark on your blade are:
Joseph.Smith & Sons
Celebrated Razor
5415

...and the scales are not original. At some point a past owner re-scaled it with the metal pieces.

Will it make a nice shaver if its restored? Sure.

Is it worth the cost of a professional restoration? Depends on how much you want - and how much you're willing to spend - to shave with a piece of history.

Will you be able to turn right around and sell it for a profit after you get it restored. There's always a chance, but most likely no.