Thread: Henry Harrington Razor, America's first cutlery manufacturer

Just acquired a rather unusual and probably rare early American manufactured razor on eBay. Removed some of the rust and was able to read that it states "Steel Superior to all others, Manufactured by Henry Harrington, cutler to the people, Southbridge Mass". It has a small heart and eagle trademark on the tang as well. Did some initial research on the web and Henry Harrington is credited with starting the first cutlery in the US in 1818 in Southbridge, MA. Also reread both of the Henry T. Lummus articles in Antiques magazine and Harrington is mentioned in both the 1922 and 1927 articles. The photo 19 in the later article is very similar to this razor. Believe this razor could have some historic significance or value? The condition of the blade is good with some removable rust and water stains. It has a very small chip at the end/point. One scale (scales are probably ivory or bone?) is good, the other is damaged at the pivot. It has three of its four brass washers. Not really sure as to what I should do next and thought I'd ask for your input? I have done some restoration work but this may be over my head. Should it even be restored? I'll post some photos and include some additional history and would appreciate all comments and recommendations.

Thanks, Austin

History

Harrington Cutlery Company

The Harrington Cutlery Company was established in 1818, in Southbridge, Massachusetts by Henry Harrington, a New England craftsman and inventor. The Harrington Cutlery company was the first cutlery manufacturing company established in the United States. Harrington manufactured surgical equipment, shoe knives and firearms. Some of his firearms are on display at the Old Sturbridge Village Museum in Sturbridge, MA. In 1884, Harrington introduced the Dexter trade name. Named after one of his sons, Dexter Harrington, the Dexter line of kitchen and table cutlery became known for its high quality in American homes and restaurants.
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Harrington Cutlery Company 1920 Marcy Street


DIGITAL TREASURES : Item Viewer

Dexter-Russell, Inc.


Dexter-Russell, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of professional cutlery in the United States. Throughout our long and rich history, we have maintained a tradition of excellence in both materials and workmanship. Our company is the proud successor to the two oldest American cutlery manufacturers: The Harrington Cutlery Company and the John Russell Cutlery Company.
Henry Harrington, a New England craftsman and inventor, established the first cutlery company in the United States on June 18, 1818 in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Harrington manufactured surgical equipment and shoe knives, as well as well crafted firearms. As his cutlery line expanded, he gradually discontinued his firearm business. In 1884, Harrington introduced the Dexter trade name. The Dexter line of fine kitchen and table cutlery soon gained a reputation for quality in America's homes and restaurants.

What a great find, be sure to pat yourself on the back!

Considering , the majority of razors before 1890 came from England , that razor is pretty rare . IMHO , it's a keeper . Try some Flitz or Maas metal polish with a 0000 abrasive pad , to clean it up . I would try to aviod using sand paper because I would not want scratches on the blade . It's what they call a "frame back" razor , and it looks to be pre-1850 . Maybe 1830's . The scales look like they're made of bone . Nice find !

That one will take some work but it's worth doing it right. The rust is probably too deep for a paste cleaner. maybe cape cod cloths if you're willing to spend a lot of time rubbing. Otherwise sanding might be the only way to go. Start conservative and see what happens.

Thanks. I have tried the MAAS for about 3-4 hours and most of the rust has come off. Starting to look good and glad I waited on the sandpaper. May still have to use a very fine grit to so the final clean up. Agree with you estimate on age as pre 1850 closer to 1830 but even that is hard to say with an American blade. It is a very thin razor, has a short tail, and seems to be stainless steel. Believe as you suggest that scales are bone rather than ivory. Probably cow bone with its yellow vice white hue of camel. Believe I try to duplicate the damaged scale and fabricate the missing washer. Believe I could do it. Anybody have a similar replacement washer?

Originally Posted by ajkenne

Believe I try to duplicate the damaged scale and fabricate the missing washer. Believe I could do it. Anybody have a similar replacement washer?

Yes , it's too bad the scale is broken . If you're going to shave with it you'll have to fix it . If you're not going to shave with it , you can leave it as is . To find a washer , you can look on ebay for a razor that has the same washers , but has damage (broken blade/scales) that make it only good as a parts razor .

WOAH! Sweet find and a rare one

I'll keep looking for bone handles on eBay, there are a few possibilities occasionally but the real issue is finding these particular washers. Never seen another design quite like them. Maybe others have....Not even sure what they are made out of. Don't seem to be brass nor nickel silver as they are quite thin and are probably steel or mixture.

First off, awesome find and beautiful razor. As far as the pins and washers, they may be sterling silver. I've seen plenty of old razors with sterling fittings, especially on bone or ivory scales.

These washers could be silver as they have not rusted and shine up nicely when buffed. The scales may be ivory as Harrington apparently worked with ivory scales. Note the presentation razor that was given to Henry Clay in 1832. Mine is similar but seems a bit older than this one based on the tail/tang. That is merely a guess on my part. That is the only reference I could find to another Harrington razor. Tells me it is worth something!

American Made Straight Razor Acid-Etched Presentation Razor for Henry Clay, - Cowan's Auctions