Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17
Like Tree13Likes

Thread: Help With Pre-WWI Vintage German Razor

  1. #1
    Junior Member BigZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Washington, DC metro area
    Posts
    5
    Thanked: 0

    Default 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
    Attached Images Attached Images           
    Last edited by BigZ; 12-24-2012 at 02:59 AM.

  2. #2
    Senior Member blabbermouth Geezer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    EauClaire,WI
    Posts
    7,685
    Thanked: 3825
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

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

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Geezer For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012), Martin103 (12-24-2012)

  4. #3
    Greaves is my friend !!! gooser's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    N.East OH
    Posts
    2,297
    Thanked: 307

    Default

    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
    Last edited by gooser; 12-24-2012 at 02:35 AM.
    BigZ likes this.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to gooser For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012)

  6. #4
    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Kansas city area USA
    Posts
    9,172
    Thanked: 1677

    Default

    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!
    BigZ likes this.
    It is easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled. Twain

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to nun2sharp For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012)

  8. #5
    Junior Member BigZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Washington, DC metro area
    Posts
    5
    Thanked: 0

    Default

    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.
    gooser likes this.

  9. #6
    Antiquary manah's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Israel
    Posts
    2,535
    Thanked: 1783
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default

    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).

    Nice razor from the '30's
    I think so too.

    But interesting fact: There is something similar with blades of Crown Razor Company from Boston, Mass. IMO.
    Last edited by manah; 12-24-2012 at 07:38 AM.
    Geezer, gooser, saitou and 1 others like this.
    Alex Ts.

  10. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to manah For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012), Geezer (12-24-2012)

  11. #7
    Senior Member johnmrson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Sunshine Coast, Australia
    Posts
    1,590
    Thanked: 311

    Default

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

  12. The Following User Says Thank You to johnmrson For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012)

  13. #8
    Antiquary manah's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Israel
    Posts
    2,535
    Thanked: 1783
    Blog Entries
    34

    Default

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

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to manah For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012)

  15. #9
    Senior Member Mike12345's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Deep South
    Posts
    227
    Thanked: 29

    Default

    +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!
    BigZ likes this.

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Mike12345 For This Useful Post:

    BigZ (12-24-2012)

  17. #10
    Junior Member BigZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Washington, DC metro area
    Posts
    5
    Thanked: 0

    Default

    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?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •