Thread: Leuchars 7 day set

I have recently acquired a 7 day razor set by Leuchars of Picadilly scaled in tortoise shell with what I believe are silver wedges. I tried to find some information, but was having trouble finding Leuchars as a razor maker. What I did find is that they were a very well known box maker, specializing an dressing cases.




Source can be found here

Leuchars was established at 47 Piccadilly, London in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly shortly before James Leuchars died in 1822. Lucy Leuchars, James’ widow, continued the business under the name of L. Leuchars. In 1837, the same year as Queen Victoria came to the throne, the firm was awarded the Royal Warrant for their supply of dressing cases to the royal family. Expanding to 39 Piccadilly in 1841, the name had now changed to Lucy Leuchars & Son; the ‘Son’ referring to William Leuchars. After Lucy’s death in 1847, William gained sole responsibility for the business. Leuchars exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the International Exhibition of 1862, and went on to win a silver medal for their dressing cases at the 1867 Paris Exposition. In 1870, under the name of Leuchars & Son, William Leuchars along with his son, also called William, opened a further shop at 2 Rue de la Paix in Paris. When William Sr died in 1871, the business was continued on by William Jr, and it was under his control that they won a gold medal for their dressing cases at the 1878 Paris Exposition. In 1884, Leuchars moved their existing manufactory from 31 Gerrard Street, Soho, London to 8 Sherwood Street, Golden Square, London. William Jr finally agreed to sell the business, along with their Sherwood Street manufactory, to Asprey in 1888. Leuchars continued to trade from their 38 & 39 Piccadilly address until 1902.



Another interesting point of history is the leather case it came in, which is still in fantastic shape and was a very high quality item at the time. It was made by Abraham Besthoff & Sons of Broadway New York. Founded in 1854, they were renowned as importers of European fancy goods and manufacturers of fine leather goods. The name printed on this case came into effect in 1879 and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1915. They were known to stock only the highest quality items rarely seen in US markets and catered to the very wealthy. I am more than inclined to believe that both the razors and the case were purchased from this shop.





With all of this information, I would have to date these razors at the turn of the century sometime before 1902. Not bad for 100+ year old razors.

If anyone has any more information, I would love to hear it.