4 Attachment(s)
Interesting Razor, questions
Attachment 132735Attachment 132739Attachment 132738Attachment 132740
Good evening folks. This razor found me on ebay last week. It needs a little restoring but seems to be pretty sturdy. I'm trying to make sense of the "story" of a straight razor like this. The scale, as you can see have some numbers and letters on it's front side. In my very young time as a straight razor enthusiast I've never come across writing like this on the scale. It doesn't appear to be advertising the brand or anything of the sort. On the blade there is "B & M smoke & chew" etched on. The tang has "B. Payn's Son's tobacco Co. Albany, NY" etched on one side. The other side has "K & Co M.I. Germany" etched on. The box has seen better days but reads both "B. Payn's Son's tobacco Co. Albany, NY" and "B & M Tobacco The best to smoke and chew UN***MALE" written on it. All I know is that the individual I purchased this from inherited it from their grandfather who passed away in 1926.
I'm trying to figure out the connection between the tobacco companies and the straight razor. Was this a common item sold by the tobacco shops? Was it possibly a promo item? And I also am curious about the numbering/letters on the scale. If anyone has some insight it would be appreciated. History Buffs help me out if you can.
Thank you,
RoLLo