My grandfathers razor

So i visited my grandmother today and we got on the topic of antiques and i mentioned i had started shaving with a straight razor and she said that my grandfather had an old straight and if she could find it i could have it. Well 20 min later she come from the bedroom with the razor. In it coffin that looked in pristine condition, i then opened the box pulled out the razor and it still had a mirror finish on it. My grandmother said this razor has been in that box since the 50s. My grandfather owned this razor but before him it belonged to his uncle. So its been in my family for nearly 100 years. The look of the razor tells me that it is prolly from the teens or 20s. I don;t know anything about the razor and haven't found anything online about it. It is a Marshall Field & Co razor from Chicago. The box says No. E 39 1/2...and the blade says made in germany. Does anyone know anything about the marshall field razors? Thanks for your time in reading this long thread but i was so excited about getting a piece of family history :)

I know from reading "Devil In The White City" that Marshall Fields was the biggest department store in Chicago way back when. If it is only marked Marshall Fields and Solingen or Germany you'll probably never know who actually made it. OTOH, if it was pro honed it would probably make a great shaver for you to use and to leave to your kids.

Waiting on PICS.. :w

i wish one of my grandpas, or even my dad, used a straight razor to pass down to me. oh well, when i'm older i'll have something to give to my grandkids.
+1 on pics!

Attachment 68049Attachment 68050Attachment 68051here are the pics you guys were requesting. Sorry the quality isn't very good i only had my phone to use.

Very nice razor, especially with the sentimental value. Congrats!

Looks like a keeper to me ! :beer1:

You are a lucky chap indeed.
A fine razor like that, and with that sort of history to it.
I'll tell you, I would easily give up half of my collection of razors to have anything like that.
I hope it hones up well, and provide you with many years of great shaves:)

Cool story, and a great gift. What a nice heirloom. And that it has kept such a fine condition through all this time is amazing, it's obviously been well cared for all these years. Congrats, I'm sure it will be a pleasure to shave with.

Thank you all for the nice feedback. I am very excited to have this as part of my collection. :)

Nice pick up. Heirloom razors are priceless.

So does anyone have any idea what the E 39 1/2 means?

No idea on the numbers, but I ran across this thread as I was searching for another and I had to read it. I had a similar experience, and I'd encourage you to click on the "razor clubs" link at the top of the Razors forum (this one) and then click on Family Jewels thread and add your contribution. (You can read my story in the Family Jewels thread as well)

Peace,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tschaenn

So i visited my grandmother today and we got on the topic of antiques and i mentioned i had started shaving with a straight razor and she said that my grandfather had an old straight and if she could find it i could have it. Well 20 min later she come from the bedroom with the razor. In it coffin that looked in pristine condition, i then opened the box pulled out the razor and it still had a mirror finish on it. My grandmother said this razor has been in that box since the 50s. My grandfather owned this razor but before him it belonged to his uncle. So its been in my family for nearly 100 years.

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Congratulations on finding your grandfather's razor!

Family razors are priceless. My mother in law just passed, (young at 85) and when my wife and I were clearing the house I found two razors. A case and a Geo Wo. They were labeled! One was my wife"s grand fathers, and one her great uncles. Priceless. I"ve already shaved with them both, and it just adds to the pleasure knowing the history of the razors. You have a great find that will last for generations. Best Regards, and Happy Shaving, wildhog

T, That's wonderful. There's no blade like one from an ancestor. If you need a hand giving it an edge, I'd be happy to help.