Thread: Calling on the historical experts, I'm stumped! An unassuming mystery razor.

It could be Stodart - born 1760 he could have undergone apprenticeship at an early age like so many in those days. Since he must have been an established maker when he opened up in Strand, 1792, he could have been a maker for a very long time before this.

There is a similar mark belonging to another London cutler - William Holland - that was granted in 1702, apprenticed in 1694 and gaining the Freedom of the Cutlers company in 1701. The 'star' is the asterisk shaped type, but the crown looks more like the fleur-de-lys that is often confused with a crown.

That is certainly a very handsome razor. I like the 'pommel' wedge end, you see a lot of french razors with this type of end too from a similar period.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

That is one of the more beautiful razors I have seen in a while.

Thanks! I know it's one of my favorites.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Yeah. I'd say that's quite early. Late 1700's quite easily. The tortoise shell scales are really in remarkable condition. It looks so old to me that I wonder if it was actually Stodart or if he bought the mark from an earlier cutler.

Probably not a travel razor though. The razors of that era were mostly much smaller.

Do you know anything about where it came from?

I got my Stodart razor from an eBay vendor near Swindon in the UK, so it never traveled very far.

And I'm in total agreement with ScienceGuy. That's a beautiful razor. I'm looking forward to you getting your gear set up and some nice pictures!

Thanks!

There's one noticeable bug bite on the reverse scale, but all told, I'm with you - fairly amazed the tortoiseshell is in such good condition after 200+ years.

This one also came from eBay. It shipped from New Hampshire, so it's entirely possible it was either imported to North America shortly after it was made, or it could have immigrated at a later date with its owner. (Or, less fun, it could be that I bought it from someone else who originally bought it on eBay or somewhere similar).

It is quite small though. Closed it measures 4 and 3/4 inches from the butt of the pommel cap to the tip of the tang tail. Next to the only other razor of that era that I own (a slightly later piece, circa 1800), it looks just bigger than half size.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

It could be Stodart - born 1760 he could have undergone apprenticeship at an early age like so many in those days. Since he must have been an established maker when he opened up in Strand, 1792, he could have been a maker for a very long time before this.

There is a similar mark belonging to another London cutler - William Holland - that was granted in 1702, apprenticed in 1694 and gaining the Freedom of the Cutlers company in 1701. The 'star' is the asterisk shaped type, but the crown looks more like the fleur-de-lys that is often confused with a crown.

That is certainly a very handsome razor. I like the 'pommel' wedge end, you see a lot of french razors with this type of end too from a similar period.

Regards,
Neil

Wow, lots of good info in your post. Glad you've got those London marks down. I had looked through the Gales and Martin Sheffield Directory of 1787, but it didn't list any marks similar to the Stodart crown and star.

Many thanks - without your info, I'd still be in the dark about this razor.

You guys are all a wonder! Thank you! History of the blades is deeply interesting to me.
~Richard

Thanks for the step back in time Gents. Really fun to read and just amazing the amount of research here. I stumbled on this thread when looking for info on Charles Pickslay razors. I found one in of my wife's Grandfather's Toolbox. I hope to have it restored some day. Pics below:

Originally Posted by Pwort

Thanks for the step back in time Gents. Really fun to read and just amazing the amount of research here. I stumbled on this thread when looking for info on Charles Pickslay razors. I found one in of my wife's Grandfather's Toolbox. I hope to have it restored some day. Pics below:

Any chance you could get a closeup picture of the tang?

Charles Pickslay made some lovely, lovely razors, and I don't really think he's been given his due!

What's much less well known is that he and his family moved to the US in the mid-1800's. His son manufactured table knives in NYC, using the 'Peruvian Steel' trademark, and his descendents are still here.

Sorry for the poor quality of the pic. I'm including the case it was in which says Pickslay's Peruvian. The shape of the blade compared to others seen in your post lead me to think it is, in fact, a Pickslay. Unfortunately the writing on the blade is almost rubbed off. What do you think ?

J'envie l'heureux propriétaire de cette paire de rasoirs vendus 22Lsur la baie

Originally Posted by Pwort

Sorry for the poor quality of the pic. I'm including the case it was in which says Pickslay's Peruvian. The shape of the blade compared to others seen in your post lead me to think it is, in fact, a Pickslay. Unfortunately the writing on the blade is almost rubbed off. What do you think ?

Pwort, I'm so sorry! I somehow missed your reply here!

Yes, that definitely looks like one of Pickslay's 1830's razors. It's sad that the stamp is so worn, but I'd be very surprised if it was anything but an outstanding shaver!

Originally Posted by lohar

J'envie l'heureux propriétaire de cette paire de rasoirs vendus 22Lsur la baie

<collapses into a puddle>

Also in the series of special steels, here is my latest purchase: a razor coutelier- SirHenry metallurgist, a provider of medical school of Paris (1820). This razor is made of Damascus steel; a specialty of Mr SirHenry

From the May 3rd, 1823 Morning Chronicle

(Transcription)

THE ALLOYS of STEEL, made by Messrs. STODART and FARADAY, are now USED in the MANUFACTURE of EDGE INSTRUMENTS, by D. and S. Stodart, 401, Strand. The respective Alloys are treated exactly as directed by the practical Chemists, to whose genius and perseverance they are indebted for this most valuable discovery in the Arts. As proofs of their excellence, Razors and Penknives, with various other articles are submitted with perfect confidence to public judgement. Sold at the Manufactory, and no where else in London. -- D. and S. Stodart having for many years been assistants to their relation Mr. J. Stodart, who has relinquished the business of Cutler and Surgeon's Instrument Maker in their favour, and who kindly continues to them his advice and assistance the humbly solicit a continuance of public favour, trusting, that by attention and punctuality they will prove themselves worth of it.

That's pretty unequivocal. The experimental alloy razors were sold by Stodart's ... relations... from his shop at 401 Strand.

They were production razors.