Thread: Any info on a Wade&Butcher with this stamp

Hello

I have come across a Wade and Butcher razor with a marking that is not included in the wiki. As I am new to W&B I would love some more info on this razor.

The marking is on the tang and says "Manufactured by Wade and Butcher, Sheffield, England" and has the "B - arrow - cross" symbol underneath.

First of all I would like to know if this a genuine W&B and if so I would also like to know if anyone has an idea of how old it might be.

i have attached a picture of the tang to aid in the identification. Any help is appreciated.



/M

Looks real-deal and was made after 1891. Bakelite scales put it early 1900's. Lessee the rest of it?

How can you tell the difference between celluloid and bakelite?

I have not seen a W&B with black cell scales. The pin shown looks original, so some supposition was required.
Bakelite is stiff and sometimes turns brownish with age. Cell is more limber and light. A hot pin on the inside of cell scales will readily melt the material and send a stench and smoke forth. Bakelite, notsomuch! Once you hold Bakelite in your hand, you will know! Tough stuff. They made all sorts of things from ashtrays, steering wheels, distributor caps, and handles for everything imaginable.

That early union cutlery from Georgia that I have has bakelite scales I believe. The they're definitely stiffer than any of the ones I have that I'm certain are celluloid. I've never known how to tell the difference for certain.

Originally Posted by maddafinga

That early union cutlery from Georgia that I have has bakelite scales I believe. The they're definitely stiffer than any of the ones I have that I'm certain are celluloid. I've never known how to tell the difference for certain.

Difficult to explain but very easy to spot if you have the two materials to hand. It's readily apparent that bakelite is a much stiffer, more brittle material. The dozen'ish bakelite razors I've handled have all discoloured with age and have shown at least a brownish tinge if not turned totally dark brown. The material generally restores very readily with a light sanding and polishing to a jet black high polish.

One easy way to tell is that bakelite will turn a significantly lighter brown colour when exposed to very hot water. The first thing I do with razors is usually clean and disinfect them with hot water so bakelite scales become instantly apparent. Some other pastics discolour in a similiar fashion but they feel very flexible so are easily distinguished (the discolourtion removes very quickly with the aforemention light sand & polish).

I have two W&B Specials probably from circa 1910 with bakelite scales - the pin on both those had much smaller domed washers than that in the photo. Looking at the pitting on the tang and what might be subsequent polishing/restoration I suspect the razor may have been re-pinned???

was made after 1895 because the England stamp.