Thread: Razor ID and help with possible restoration

Hello. I've recently been interested in getting into straight razor shaving, as I switched to a DE razor last year and want to make the next step. My mother in law, upon hearing my interest in the subject, gave me her father's straight razor that belonged to him when he was a barber in WWII. I would be very interested in restoring it and shaving with it, as I think it would be a great honor to shave with his razor. The thing is, I know nothing about whether or not it is even worth restoring. At the very least, I would like to learn more about the razor, such as the age.

It has unmarked/unlabeled black scales and the blade, on one side, says "JOHN S. HOLLER & Co - MADE IN GERMANY". On the other, it says "The Tower Brand" over a backdrop of a tower, with the number "147" underneath it. See attached images. As for the condition, it's very dull and needs honing. The steel has grayed significantly and there are some rust spots.

If anyone is familiar with this razor, please let me know more about it. Also, if anyone can recommend where I can get it restored and honed, I would much appreciate it.

thank you,
Paul Marina

John S. Holler & Co., 1867-1906. This importer was originally at 94 Duane Street, New York City. It was managed by August Von Dorp under the name John S. Holler & Company. By 1906, they were being run by Charles A. Von Dorp and Otto Gericke.
Knives with this marking were made in both Germany and England. Adolph Blaich of San Francisco was an agent and importer of knives from John S. Holler.
Adolph Blaich was in business 1885-1954. And his company used John S. Holler & Co. mark till 1915.
According The McKinley Tariff Act, in 1914, the words "made in" were required.
So. The result:
1. It's impossible to know, who made the razor, but it was made in Germany.
2. Most likely, it was made 1914-1915 ...if Adolph Blaich didn't use the trademark later. But I couldn't find such info.

I didn't see any cracks on the blade.
So. I'm sure, it can be restored and honed.

I've had a few Hollers, and I liked them.

It look like you have a bit of a frown to work out, but I don't see any reason she couldn't be a shaver.

Thank you for the great information! Can you (or anyone) suggest where I can have the razor restored and honed? I don't mind sending it out, as long as I can get it back within 2 weeks.

thanks again,
Paul

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I've had a few Hollers, and I liked them.

It look like you have a bit of a frown to work out, but I don't see any reason she couldn't be a shaver.

What do you mean by a "frown"?

I'm sure, if you'll visit Member Services, you'll find somebody, who can make this work quickly and qualitatively.