Imperial Razor Co

Hi guys,

I've come out of lurking mode because I've recently acquired an old Imperial Razor Co whose scales are made from a single piece of wood. I'm not sure if they're the orignal scales, but it looks old enough to be (pictures attached).

The text on the tang has worn down considerably and you can just make out the following:

....PERIAL RAZOR
....ARRENTED
....TERED No. 20507

And on the other side:
....MANY

I know, from reading info on this very site, that Imperial Razor Co began operation in 1876 and I would love to think that this could be one from that era, but I'd like to get your opinions on it if I can.


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Regards,
Brad

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began operation in 1876

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1886 :)

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this could be one from that era

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I don't think so.
The oldest razor with No.20507 was after 1893.
The World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago is event being commemorated by the razor.
The blade is etched "World's Fair", and "1893" in the center.

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Originally Posted by manah

1886 :)

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Excuse my fat fingers :)

Thanks for the info. There's nothing on the blade, so not before 1893. I just read that the company moved to NYC and changed their name in 1901, so could it have been during that 8 year period - or did they keep stamping the Imperial name all the way up to 1947?

I hope, the information, about the owner of Imperial trademark, will be helpful.
STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Adolph Kastor(Castor), 1856-1946.

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Originally Posted by manah

I hope, the information, about the owner of Imperial trademark, will be helpful.

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That helps a lot, thanks Manah!

I have an Imperial also, which shape is very similar to this one. It reads "Extra Hollow Ground" and, below, "Fully Warranted" on the blade, while on the tang (on one side only) there is:

IMPERIAL RAZOR Co.
NEW YORK - GERMANY
REGISTERED 20507

Since there is no "made in" should I assume it is from between 1901 and 1914?

I'm curious if the experts think these scales are original or not?? I cut a similar looking set of scales off of a Greaves razor because I didn't think they were original. Hope I didn't do something really stupid! Thoughts?

I took a similar set of scales off an old W&B. I'm interested to find out as well.

First you would have to know about how old the razor was and then a close look at the pins might give you an idea if they were original. it is very possible. Wood was not all that common. You see a lot of celluloid and rubber and horn and bone from the early days. I suspect wood was used more in a certain time period. Of course I'm no expert.

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Originally Posted by diyguy

I'm curious if the experts think these scales are original or not?? I cut a similar looking set of scales off of a Greaves razor because I didn't think they were original. Hope I didn't do something really stupid! Thoughts?

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You may have . Do you have a pic of the razor before you cut the scales off ?

I'm no expert , but I do have a few razors with original wood scales . FWIW I think the blade has been pinned to wood scales off an older razor , or the scales could have been made from a broken hammer handle by a talented amateur . I've never seen a vintage German razor with wood scales of any type .

I don't think it's as old as you're hoping...But I'm also no expert. In fact, I'm much more qualified to be titled "no expert" than some of the other guys here who don't think they are experts. I have an Imperial razor as well, with the same numbers and lettering as yours. Mine has the same scales as Mana's though.