Thread: Anyone can date this razor?

Hi everybody,

Could any of you help me date this razor?
Thanks!

From the looks of the razor i would say 1820 to 1835 my estimate!
Sheffiels directory shows J. Bingham listed as a razor makers 1837.

Thanks Martin!
Is there any chance you have a link to the Sheffield directory?

I believed the J stands for James.

Thanks a lot!

I'll take her out on a date just send her my way

Nice razor. I am glad to be part of this amazingly helpful community (even if most of my contributions are wise cracks).

Thanks for sharing.

hahahaha, I was sure a line like this will come, but didn't know how to reformulate the question, english is not my language

Originally Posted by Cristian

english is not my language

What is your language?

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