Thread: Anyone can date this razor?

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

James Bingham was born in Nether Hallam, Sheffield, in 1803 and was making razors by the 1820s. He was located at New Church Street between 1830 - 1840. His makers mark was 'Congruent'. He stopped making razors around 1845 and went to work for George Wostenholm as overseer of the razor-grinders. In 1851 he lived with his wife Euphemia at 97 Broom Spring Lane and gave his profession as 'Manager of Razor Manufactory'. In 1861 he lived at 130 Broom Spring Lane and gave his occupation as Manager - Razor Trade. In 1871 he had moved house again - but still in the same road, this time to No. 180. He gave his profession as 'Razor Manager' - he was 68 yrs old by now. He died at the age of 73 in 1876 and Wostenholm acquired his makers mark.

So, any razor ascribed to James Bingham would fall into a narrow band - 1820 - 1845 and as your razor looks like an early example, probably before the 'Congruent' mark was granted, it is probably nearer 1820.

The six months patent granted to Bingham and Boden lasted for a few years, but the partnership between them and the other partner in the enterprise - May - was ultimately dissolved:



Regards,
Neil