Help With Pre-WWI Vintage German Razor

Hello everyone,

I'm BigZ and this is my first post at SRP. I was hoping that my fellow members could give me some information regarding a pre-WWI German Razor. My girlfriend's mother recently gave me her grandfather's straight razor in hopes that I could give her some of the history and info behind the razor. I tried looking up the info myself but had no luck. Hopefully you all can help shed some light on this conundrum for me.

She said that her grandfather purchased the razor before immigrating to the USA in 1912. They traveled from Russia through Germany and Austria and picked it up along the way.

The scales have the brand Breidora stamped on them. The blade has "King's Crown Razor Extra Hollow Ground" engraved into it. "Warranted Hollow Ground Solingen" was written on one side of the tang. "Made In Germany" was written on the opposite side. Please see attached photos for reference.

So my questions are: What year was this razor manufactured? What are the materials used? Is this a Breidora or just Breidora scales? If i decide to restore it myself what should I do to bring this potentially 100+ year old razor back to its former glory?

Thank you for all your help. I know I've asked alot for a simple thread. Please answer what you can I would be ecstatic to learn anything about this heirloom piece. Thank you all again.

BigZ

Do a Google of:
BREIDORA: Johann Breidohr
There are many mentions to be found.
Time: Thirties. Quality Great!
~Richard

not allowed to give values on here( not that id know any way ..lol) as ones opinion may differ from another , in the member sales section there are a list of vendors who can give you an idea on restore cost ...
here is what ive found on here , also a quick

Breidohr, Johann Stahlwarenfabrik - Straight Razor Place Wiki

here is a link where you can find " how to"section that is VERY helpful
welcome to SRP !!
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

BigZ welcome to SRP! No valuations allowed in the open forums, we wouldnt want the place to turn into a flea market. Nice razor from the '30's IMO. No real restoration work needed, a simple cleaning and honing should return it to its former glory. Looks like it has been taken care of. Be sure to check out our classifieds and look under member services for the appropriate help. Once again welcome!

Thank you all for the prompt response. Thank you for making me aware of the post etiquette of SRP, I really appreciate it. Gooser, thank you for the links they were very informative and thank you nun2sharp for the info and advice. The razor is in great shape for being as old as it is. My GF's family will be happy to learn about this heirloom piece.

Breidohr began his trade activities in 1914-1918, and was registered 24th May, 1924.
In 1928, he was listed as manufacturer of cutlery, razors and razor blades.
1935-1986, Johann Breidohr, Rasiermesserfabrik located Friedrich-Wilhelm-Strasse 55, Solingen, Germany.
Brands: Breidora, Las Tres Cruses.
Trademarks: Les ††† Croix, Loes ††† Cruses (pat. №277774, 1921).
http://manah.strazors.com/breidohr.jpg

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Nice razor from the '30's

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I think so too.

But interesting fact: There is something similar with blades of Crown Razor Company from Boston, Mass. IMO.
http://strazors.com/uploads/ForSale/crown_1.jpg

I'd hazard a guess that the blade and scales didn't start life together.

I have some doubts, but ....nothing to say.

+1 on suspicions of a possible rescale. The odd scratches around the pivot pin support this. The pivot pin looks different than the other pins, also.
Other than the nicked up blade edge, which should hone out, it is in excellent shape with little hone wear. It really looks like it has seen little use. Honed up and a light cleaning or buffing and it should be a fine shaver.
I'll leave the restoration advice to more experienced hands here, but if it were mine, I wouldn't do much other than clean it up.
Please post pics after you get it cleaned up and honed. Tell us how it shaves.
Nice find, and welcome!

Wow! Thanks guys! As a newbie to restoring I don't think I should use this heirloom as my first try. It has been in the family for four generations and I would hate myself for doing an improper job. I do have reservations about mailing to have it professionally done. The restorer that I have in mind has received rave reviews from the members here at SRP I'm just worried about getting it there and getting it back. I haven't had the best luck with the mail. Does anyone have any experience at mailing important pieces? Any advice?

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Originally Posted by BigZ

Wow! Thanks guys! As a newbie to restoring I don't think I should use this heirloom as my first try. It has been in the family for four generations and I would hate myself for doing an improper job. I do have reservations about mailing to have it professionally done. The restorer that I have in mind has received rave reviews from the members here at SRP I'm just worried about getting it there and getting it back. I haven't had the best luck with the mail. Does anyone have any experience at mailing important pieces? Any advice?

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USPS small box Priority Mail with tracking/delivery confirmation. Fast and relatively inexpensive.

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Originally Posted by Wullie

USPS small box Priority Mail with tracking/delivery confirmation. Fast and relatively inexpensive.

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Small Flat Rate box Priority Mail does it well for about $6.50. My experience is about 2-3 days in the US.
~Richard

Ditto the above priority flat rate. Make it more worth while if you have any other razors, to send out 3 or 4 at once to be honed. But if you Do send more than one, put insurance on it, just in case. (I have never lost a package using this method, but you never say never)

Hey guys so this is what the family decided to do. Due to the intrinsic value of the razor they felt it too risky to send it out. Instead they had me clean it as best as I could. They have decided to use it as a show piece. They loved the information you provided me. I just wanted to thank you all.

BigZ

By the way, I'm Nino and will be starting a new thread explaing a little about me and a razor that I just purchased today. Come and take a look.

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Originally Posted by BigZ

Does anyone have any experience at mailing important pieces? Any advice?

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Insurance of course but if you send it registered ..... not certified ....... registered mail, it is signed for and under lock and key at every stage of travel whichever hand it goes to. This is slower than regular mail, and more costly, and it doesn't guarantee 'something' won't happen, but makes it far less likely it will be lost. :gl:

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Originally Posted by BigZ

Hey guys so this is what the family decided to do. Due to the intrinsic value of the razor they felt it too risky to send it out. Instead they had me clean it as best as I could. They have decided to use it as a show piece. They loved the information you provided me. I just wanted to thank you all.
BigZ.

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Good choice! Merry Christmas!
~Richard

+1 on certified mail. Even insured, signature required, registered mail is very secure. With my other hobby, watches, I've sent many timepieces through the mail and never had a loss. Maybe you can find someone locally that can hone the razor, if for no other reason than to return it to a usable condition. Good luck.