Thread: Can you help me ID this?

I came into possession of my first straight razor today, and I'd love to know more about it's history. It came in a Solingen box, marked S 525, but after searching the internet to verify, I've yet to find one that matches. There are no markings on the handle; the only distinguishing characteristics are the number 39, a six pointed star, and the word "Cara" I've attached pictures so you can see for yourself. Any and all information or ideas would be great! Thanks in advance.

From here:

Einkaufsgenossenschaft deutscher Messerschmiede, Mannheim in 1932. Brand name: 'Cara'. Razors and/or razor blades.

Difficult to say for sure from the pics but though there's quite a lot of honewear it seems even, so should sharpen up OK. In general, vintage Solingens make good shavers.

German razors with "Cara" on them seem to be hard to pin down to any one maker, for some obscure reason.

I was researching one a while ago and during talks with a chap at the Revisor factory, we unearthed about five different examples, none with a makers mark - except for one. The unidentified ones either came in a box marked "Cara" and/or had "Cara" on the scales. One had the ERN crown & Sword logo on the back of the tang. The chap at Revisor talked to someone at the razor/knife museum in Solingen, and they were of the opinion that the name was owned by somebody who did not make razors but who had the razors made by established companies - I suppose they got the best deal they could at the time, hence all the different makers.

The link posted above may be an example of this - it looks like it is not one maker, but a co-operative of makers from the name.

Regards,
Neil

You guys are awesome. Thanks!