Thread: Oldest Bengall Straight Razor? Restored

Acquired this off eBay several weeks ago in a group of newer straights. It came with ugly new scales that screamed "restore me to my original state". Was able to find similar vintage straights on SRP and used those photos to design the scales and oversized collars. Didn't have the extra large bullseye collars I just used a domed nickel silver that gives it a similar look to the originals. Used honey horn scales, some oversized 3/32 brass pins and cut some almost round nickel silver collars and a hammered lead wedge. Shined up the blade and tang somewhat leaving some evident age. All I need to do now is put a good shaving edge on it (no easy task) and she'll be good for another 200 + years. I'd would estimate that this was made about 1800 or so by Cadman and crew. This is the oldest Bengall I ever seen. Shows a crisp "Bengall" stamp/imprint most of the "Acier Fondu". My research indicates that and the shape of the blade and tang probably takes it back to the very early 1800 and maybe very late 1790s. Not sure about the latter dates. Show and tell. Welcome comments, thanks, AJ