Thread: "Civil War Era" straight Razor??? :-/

Hi all, I'm pretty new to the forums. I've searched on the website for previous posts regarding civil war era razors and have found many a thread. I came across this item for auction eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices that the seller claims is civil war era. Being an astute law student, I naturally thought "How do you know?" So I sent the seller a message and asked what evidence connects the razor to the civil war?

The response was: "It is civil war era because it is hand forged so a blacksmith made it. There are no markings such as a name because a blacksmith made it. You can tell its civil war era from the way it was made as well as the aging condition of the wood handle and metal"

Naturally, my next question (although I haven't asked the seller) was "how do you know it was hand forged" and "Did they make hand forged razors at other times other than the civil war?" Bottom line is, I'm not convinced. Plus, Civil War ear could be misleading because most American's probably think that "Civil War Era" means the item was actually used during the civil war by someone associated with either the North or the South. On the other hand, "Civil War Era" could be used to describe a razor made in the 1860's that was used/owner by someone in Europe.

So I put the question to the forum: does anyone have tips to properly identify a straight razor as being used in the United States during the civil war? I would think this is especially hard if there are no marks on the razor. And, how can one tell whether a blade is hand forged? I'm affraid some people apply the label "civil war era" in order to attract more bidders and thus a higher purchase price.

Thanks everyone!

The first thing I noticed about the ad was the crappy pics. Tells me everything I need to know, no law degree needed.

I found a razor on Ebay that was in fact a civil war era razor. The manufacturer existed only from 1860 until 1875. That didn't mean that the razor had anything to do with the war, and, because of the manufacturing dates, could have been produced after the war itself. Still, the information I had was enough for me. In your case, you have only the opinion of the person who is trying to sell it to you. While the seller might be correct, there is no documentation or evidence for his claim. I'd pass without better evidence.

Originally Posted by ace

I found a razor on Ebay that was in fact a civil war era razor. The manufacturer existed only from 1860 until 1875.

Ace- What was the name of the manufacturer?

Indeed, no law degree needed! I think it almost disrespectful to attribute a razor to a certain 'history' with out proof because it takes away from the individual razors actual story. Granted, the story of most individual razors has been lost; unless it stayed in the family. I would love to come across a razor with the stamp "USMC" on the tang. From what I've read, they were items of general issue during World War I. It would be hard not to imagine all the places a razor like that has been!

I could be wrong, but didn't. General Grant and General Lee heavy fistfight in Vicksburg in which they use straits? I could be wrong but...

Concerning the "USMC" stamp, I believe the Clauss company of Fremont, Ohio made one, keep your eyes peeled, they show up from time to time.

I'm surprised her door knob handles she is advertising aren't advertised as "civil war era" as well.

Do you suppose all those cards she's selling would get more interest if advertised as gulf war era?

Just playing devil's advocate for a moment, but a "Civil War" era razor, i.e. a razor used by a soldier during the war, would in all likelyhood be made before the war. The soldiers weren't going out shopping in between battles and the armies could barely afford to shoe the soldiers let alone supply them with new straights.

Originally Posted by Theseus

Just playing devil's advocate for a moment, but a "Civil War" era razor, i.e. a razor used by a soldier during the war, would in all likelyhood be made before the war. The soldiers weren't going out shopping in between battles and the armies could barely afford to shoe the soldiers let alone supply them with new straights.

Most of the civil war soldiers I have seen in old photographs were fully bearded