Thread: Help identifying razor/razor history

I was hoping someone could help me with a razor I just received. After my father passed away 19 years ago, my brother got all my father's tools. Well, contained in one of my father's tool boxes was a old straight razor. My father didn't use a straight razor but did have a his father's/grandfather's brush and mug. My older brother knows of my hobby/obsession with straight razor shaving and when I got home from work yesterday there was a box waiting for me. It was the "old straight razor" that belonged to my father/grandfather/great grandfather. The blade is in UNBELIEVABLE shape. The blades appear to be plastic and I'm not sure if they are original. It has the #403 "scratched" into one of the blades and some "unreadable initials" as well.

On one side the tang reads:
"The Artist"
Levering Razor

The other side reads:
Hamburg Ground


Now to the "help needed part."
I know nothing about the history of this blade, how old, quality, etc. I've tried to find some info but haven't had much luck. I was hoping someone knew "something" about this blade. I know it's probably not that "collectable," but I can't even begin to express how much it means to me that my brother would gladly give up something like this so I could use and enjoy it. I truly LOVE using my "vintage" razors (c.a. 1850-1880) and can't event begin to tell you how much it will mean to use my grandfather's/great grandfather's razor.

Thanks in advance for any help/information.

Clueless in Alabama

Could you post a picture of your razor?

I can't seem to get photos uploaded from my iPad, but the following is from eBay. This is NOT an add for my razor, but is does appear to be the "same" as the razor I have. Let me make it clear, I AM NOT trying to sell anything, it is just a link to what appears to be the same razor I have. I do have to say that the razor I have is in MUCH BETTER condition and will most likely require minimal restoration.

"The Artist" Levering Razor Co. Hamburg Ground VINTAGE Straight Razor W/Box | eBay

I hope this helps. Again, I'm not trying to sell anything and have no affiliation with eBay or this seller.

Maybe this helps

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ring-date.html

Thanks!!! That was very helpful. I hope to send mine out early next week for restoration. I'm just trying to decide if I want new scales and if so, what kind.