Thread: Opinions please

Gents,

Just got this delivered yesterday. Here's what the vendor sez:


"Here is a razor that bears all the manufacturing marks of a razor made in the late 1700's. When you compare it to a razor like a Joseph Elliot that has documentation of being made in the early half of the 1800's, this razor most certainly appears to have been made in the 1700's. Individual indications are as follows:

1. The shape and aged condition of the horn handles.
2. The overall shape of the entire blade combined with the tang and monkey tail.
3. The very thick tang.
4. The shortened stubby monkey tail.
5. The fact that no name was ever put on this razor, (back in the 1700's not all makers had the know-how or necessary tools to implement letters and numbers by stamping, etching or engraving)."

Anyhow, she sure is pretty!

The tang looks more like early 1800s and it has been reground.

Still a beautiful razor though.

Not knocking your razor but ..... it isn't even close to late 1700s AFAIC. The tang is defined and it has a double stabilizer at the heel. The scales have a slight curve. I could go on but I'd have to really see it .

Here are two late 1700 razors. Note the edge transitions into the tang without a definite separation. The scales have no curve at all. There are other nuances. The makers of these must have had access to stamps. One is a Rogers, Cast Steel and the other a foreign name that escapes me. Something French IIRC. Here is the 'stub tail shavers' razor club where you can see more oldies but goodies.

If and I do mean if those are the original scales I would estimate about 1820, give or take. As HSNB has stated it has been reground. It is still a beautiful blade.

I also vote for "early 1800s" over "late 1700s". The shape reminds me of my Packwood, except yours has a straight spine and is in better condition.

did they make the razors so early in the 19th century with heel stabilizers?

Fascinating thread. Keep photos of these early ones coming!

Excellent thread here gentlemen! Fascinating!!

The blade was made about 1830, light hollow ground.
But I think, it was made 1850-1880. It was large(7/8 or 8/8) and thick blade. And it had a crack or chip. When somebody removed them, he/she must made the blade thinner. To maintain the proportion of 1:4, keeping the edge angle. The half of stabilizer is proof this version. And unknown form of spine, like hone wear. When the blade became thinner, the mark was lost.
All above is my opinion, I can be wrong.

Wow! Some really fascinating information! Disappointing that it's not from 1700's, but it wasn't that expensive, so I don't feel all that bad. Would have been nice to have a maker's stamp, though. Any more info on old razors is much appreciated.
Since I'm just starting out, I will try a shave with it tonight on my cheeks and let you know how it does...