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.

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.

I saw a Marsden on ebay with wood scales sell for around $100 on auction the other day. I dont believe there are enough of them available to command a high price for them. I'm going to have Mr. Keys look at mine and see what he recommends to do to it in order to get the best price. It does shave well but too big for my taste. I like my DD Dwarf personally.