Thread: Mansour el-Hilow & S. Joseph 1905. M.I. Germany

Hey guys, first post here. Wanted to ask if anyone recognizes the name in the subject field. I recently bought an old razor from eBay with Mansour el-Hilow & S. Joseph M.I. Germany and 1905 inscripted on the shaft.

Here are some pictures
http://i.imgur.com/gvme8.jpg

It's hard to see, but the decoration on the blade is supposed to be Antarah and A'abla. I don't know much about the razor, but for those interested in the tale of Antarah and A'abla, here's a quick summary:
Antarah is a pre Islamic Arab hero. Antara was a black slave who fell in love with A’ablah the daughter of a tribal sheik.
The evil father would not allow Antarah to marry A’ablah and would instead promise her in marriage to other men of higher stature. A’antra had to travel all over the Arabian dessert sword fighting with all the suitors so that A’ablah would be his. A little bit like Romeo and Juliette.
A strange story to put on a straight razor, but I'm sure the smith had his reasons.

Anyway, more pictures
http://i.imgur.com/gvme8.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UsGuD.jpg


The scales were old and black, fell right off.

I guess my plan is to try and restore it, and then hone it, but first I'd like to see if anyone has seen a razor from the same "brand".

Have a good day everyone

HI There... I have a Yankee Cutlery Razor with Bone carved handle- No.190R with Box- Mansour el-Hilow & S. Joseph M.I. Germany. Sounds very similar to the one you have... I was curious how you found out the value of yours? I have been trying to research it, but am having trouble finding any sources for it, until I ran across your email... I signed up for this service to reach you- as it seems what we have is somewhat unusual... Yes? I am not sure i have the Antarah and A'ablah carving on it... and not sure how to find out what my carving is... do you have any suggestions of where i should reach out to? If you send me an email to my personal email I will send you a photo of it. Email: [email protected]. Thanks alot. Mike




QUOTE=EHofmann;1091240]Hey guys, first post here. Wanted to ask if anyone recognizes the name in the subject field. I recently bought an old razor from eBay with Mansour el-Hilow & S. Joseph M.I. Germany and 1905 inscripted on the shaft.

Here are some pictures
http://i.imgur.com/gvme8.jpg

It's hard to see, but the decoration on the blade is supposed to be Antarah and A'abla. I don't know much about the razor, but for those interested in the tale of Antarah and A'abla, here's a quick summary:
Antarah is a pre Islamic Arab hero. Antara was a black slave who fell in love with A’ablah the daughter of a tribal sheik.
The evil father would not allow Antarah to marry A’ablah and would instead promise her in marriage to other men of higher stature. A’antra had to travel all over the Arabian dessert sword fighting with all the suitors so that A’ablah would be his. A little bit like Romeo and Juliette.
A strange story to put on a straight razor, but I'm sure the smith had his reasons.

Anyway, more pictures
http://i.imgur.com/gvme8.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UsGuD.jpg


The scales were old and black, fell right off.

I guess my plan is to try and restore it, and then hone it, but first I'd like to see if anyone has seen a razor from the same "brand".

Have a good day everyone [/QUOTE]

The razor you show has considerable honewear, patina and a frowning edge. Three things that prospective buyers do not like.
If the scales or engraving are very special they may increase the value of the razor to the extent of their desirability.