Thread: I got lucky!

That is some good info. Early 1800's and reground at some point. Still not sure of the maker, might have missed that part. Ive got most of the rust off except at the pivot. Dont know how to unpin and repin. Need help with all that.

Ok so much research has led me nowhere on the manufacture of the "MAGNUM BONUM". So far ive seen W&B, Joseph Rogers, and now Joseph Elliot Magnums but neither of the tang stamps match mine. The spine looks like others but that is all. I am considering sending it for restor but I'm not sure who to send it to so that I might be able to get some history to go with it also.

I'm working on an extensive write-up on the manufacturer of the early 'Magnum Bonum' razors and I should have it done later today.

The short version is: they were made by a Marsden.

The detailed short version is: they were probably made by George Marsden. Or Benjamin. Or maybe Robert. Would you believe Richard Marsden?

(There were 54 Marsden children apprenticed into the cutlery trade in Sheffield from 1732 to 1810, and all the razors are just stamped 'Marsden').

I've finished my exhaustive (exhausting?) write-up of Marsden. It can be found over here on my blog.

At the time of this post, the writeup is still a bit rough -- it needs copyediting for clarity and I want to add a bunch of footnotes and links to sources, but that'll give you the gist of what I know about the obscure Mr. Marsden!

I just had to let all know that I love shopping for razors at the gunshow. Today I picked up dubl duck dwarf, in perty good condition for.... are you ready for this.... only $25. Pics will be coming soon when I can get it in some good light and do a real inspection. There are some cracks near the pivot but the rest looks good. Once I hone it and give it a try I will know if I want to keep it or not.

And here it is. It shaves as good as it looks. A little bit of clean and polish and good as new!

I dont know if thats luck ... if it us you may wana check your shoe for a leaprecan ... wish i could find that many decent razors the ones i find make me wana cry

Head up and eyes open my friend! I have walked past a million of these things in my travels and never knew what i was missing. You need to check out the worlds longest yard sale coming in october. My in-laws found me a few last time. Now that you have an idea of what to look for, you just need to get out and start looking. E-bay is good but local sales are normally better deals! Just keep at it.

Now what are Misters Marsden's razors valued at is my next question? There are not enough of them around for me to get a good sense of retail market for them. BTW I dont know where you found your information but I have found almost nothing on the internet about the marsdens or the Magnum Bonum fad. Very good detective work there Sir.

Originally Posted by Gomerpile

Now what are Misters Marsden's razors valued at is my next question? There are not enough of them around for me to get a good sense of retail market for them. BTW I dont know where you found your information but I have found almost nothing on the internet about the marsdens or the Magnum Bonum fad. Very good detective work there Sir.

Like everything else, they're worth what you're willing to pay for them.

I dig through newspaper archives and historical business directories, mostly. Google Books is an absolute boon for this kind of research.