Help, please! Decipher this Wade & Butcher blade etching

[rexcarolus]

Hello everyone,

I was very happy to recently pick up this Wade & Butcher 15/16" near-wedge. The scales are shot, so its a major project, but I just noticed that there is a blade etching--and it seems like a fairly rare one.




I would describe the part of the etch visible near the heel as the corners of a cartouche with two pennant-type shapes visible. Any help would be much appreciated!

[dustoff003]

Aloha and welcome to SRP. It is very difficult to see any of the etching that in your posted pictures. Etching or not that is a great razor. Is there any more etching down the rest of the length of the blade or has it been sanded into oblivion?

[rexcarolus]

Thanks, Ed--she will sing again!

Aloha and welcome to SRP. It is very difficult to see any of the etching that in your posted pictures. Etching or not that is a great razor.

[dustoff003]

If you can post a pic of the entire blade. How bad are the scales?

[rexcarolus]

I bought this as a group of two razors. The other is a Joseph Allen Medium Size Hollow Ground from about 1890. The scale you see in this photo was plundered from the Allen and used to replace the rear scale of the Wade & Butcher that was cracked at the pivot. The original W&B are a nice blond horn and both have a lot of chips missing.

This area near the heel is the only spot where any etching is visible at all . Would you recommend lightly cleaning the blade and then taking a new pic?

If you can post a pic of the entire blade. How bad are the scales?

[dustoff003]

This area near the heel is the only spot where any etching is visible at all . Would you recommend lightly cleaning the blade and then taking a new pic?

I can't advise you there but someone who can should be along shortly. I have yet to try my hand at restoring a razor. I have seen some threads where other members have cleaned a blade and found etching.

[JimmyHAD]

Nice W&B. Try some metal polish on a paper towel and if the etching is more easily seen holding the blade at an angle take the photo at that angle.

[rexcarolus]

Thanks, JimmyHAD! Will have a go with some pencils and Flitz this evening and see what can be revealed

Nice W&B. Try some metal polish on a paper towel and if the etching is more easily seen holding the blade at an angle take the photo at that angle.

[gooser]

ive even put a magnifier glass in front of the lens for better clearer close ups ..

[Martin103]

Well im hoping that with cleaning you will be able to reveal the etching on your razor. That said it fairy reminds me of this etching?