Bismarck Works

[ruday555]

I just bought a seven day set of Bismarck registered razors, my questions are: are these razors made by Dovo? and secondly are they quality razors, these appear to be Ivory handled(by the looks and the pins) thanks for any info. Here is a pic of one of them:

[ruday555]

Did some outside research and got an answer:"The manufacturer was Bismarck Razor Works, in business from 1900 - 1930 and located in Solingen, Germany.
The Bismarck name was purchased by Dovo in 1957 and is in use today.

It was common practice in those days for German razor manufacturers to make razors for American merchants with the merchant's name on the tang.
The Bismarck should be a very good razor. Congratulations".

[JimmyHAD]

Yeah congrats , I've got a couple of the old Bismarcks and they are as good as any Solingen I've shaved with. Can you post more pics ? Maybe of at least one full blade/scales with the blade open. We love razor porn.

[ruday555]

Here's a few pics:

[JimmyHAD]

Nice set ! First 7 day set of Bismarcks I've seen. Thanks for the pix !!

[pfries]

That was most uncalled for

Now I am jealous…..

One heck of a score,
and if it shaves anywhere near what my one lonely Bismarck does they will be at the top of your rotation.

[Martin103]

I could never understand why somebody would want to get a 7 day set, "Variety is the spice of life" even with razors, its like eating spaghetti every night, who would want to do that? That said how about sharing some of these beauties with your fellow wet shavers? We really dont want you to get bored using the same razor everyday! All kidding aside its a great set, the blades look unused and im hoping the scales will clean up good for you, Enjoy!

[JimmyHAD]

I could never understand why somebody would want to get a 7 day set, "Variety is the spice of life" even with razors,

There is something to that. I've had a number of 7 day sets come and go. I've still got 3 of them. Two of them never used, and one that I dip into from time to time. Years ago I picked up a Joseph Rodgers & Sons that was found in an attic that had never been used. It had the "Made In England" in a semi circle going around the regular tang stamp and I think that dated it right at 1891 when the treaty went into effect. I wasn't crazy about it because they were round points and had black rubber scales, so I let it go.

I also had a Mappin & Webb "Nulli Secundus" with ivory scales, oak case. Some had been used but all were nice. I still kick myself for letting that one go. Of the 7 day sets I've had, and have seen, none had more than a couple, if any, blades that were used. I think that some of the original owners received the set as a gift and either didn't use any or only used one or two. Just IME.

The three sets I have are a Dovo/Dorp Voos which is mint and I believe rare. Having the combination of the two tang stamps within the same set and all the model #s are the same. I believe it must have been mfgd right after Fritz Bracht bought the company. IOW, 4 of the razors are tang stamped Dovo with Fritz Bracht on the reverse tang, and 3 are stamped Dove with Dorp-Voos on the reverse tang. Pretty cool. I haven't used any of them ....... yet ...... it ain't like I don't have plenty to shave with.

Then I have a Kobar set that had a couple used out of it. I got a good deal on it and I've used a couple. The last set I have is a Solingen set by an obscure maker that I sort of collect. The name of the mfg will remain known only to me unless I decided I don't want to collect his work anymore.

[ruday555]

Thanks for the nice compliments,its good to hear positive things said and God bless. Rudy

[Lynn]

Very nice score!

The Bismarck Registered razors are on my short list for great shavers.

Enjoy