Thread: 60-pc Joseph Elliot traveling salesman display set

That truly brings a tear of joy to myself and certainly any razor collector. I would go crazy to get them out and clean, handle them. Maybe get a few shaves?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

That truly brings a tear of joy to myself and certainly any razor collector. I would go crazy to get them out and clean, handle them. Maybe get a few shaves?

Same here they would have to come out and work!

Originally Posted by Martin103

Same here they would have to come out and work!

That's a tough call for a set like that, I'd be inclined to want to use them, but if I was lucky enough to acquire that set as is, part of me would feel strongly compelled not to touch them. Speaking for myself, I'd leave them alone, but 6 months, 1 year later, who knows...that would be a real tough call, and one I'm glad I don't have to make.

I would not go crazy with them, but it seems something to think about. Taken out, any rust gently removed. conservation cleaning, mineral oil, Tuffglide, Renwax, etc, and so forth. A bit of CA to stabilize that pearl crack on the backside. Even some on the front, wiped and sanded/polished. Some new elastic cord, gently pressing. Should be done expertly, for certain. Seems some need some help? Also curious to see effects of UV's on the front side by comparing to the back side of them.
All that and a few shaves, perhaps?

OK. A glass-top coffee table. Custom-made. The displays would be set down in the middle. Then, angled mirrors would reflect both sides upward with cool lighting, of course. All museum glass! Hell yeah!

I like the way you think! I too wish I could do some conservation cleaning on the razors. Clean off the dust, stabilize that crack in the MOP, Tuf-glide on the pivots and Renwax on the blades and scales. However, as long I don't see any active rust or corrosion, then I probably won't ever open up the frames. If I ever do open them up then I like your idea of a coffee table or maybe just one big frame but made to be opened. Some place to put some dessicant to keep humidity in check.

It would be fun to see the back side scales of each razor, to see if there was any effect from UV radiation, but the front sides of each just look so amazing that I really think there wouldn't be much difference. Like I have never really cared for the stained cows horn scales you see on razors but now I know that is because the scales are so worn and dried out and the stain is usually mostly rubbed off. Seeing what stained horn looks like as-new really changed my opinion; it is really very lovely, still nothing like genuine tortoiseshell which is what I assume it was always meant to imitate, but beautiful in its own right.

Using those would be criminal.... It's a time capsule and I wouldn't be surprised if it is the only one that exists still..

Truly a stunning collection, never seen anything like it. For it to still be complete is quite amazing.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

That truly brings a tear of joy to myself and certainly any razor collector. I would go crazy to get them out and clean, handle them. Maybe get a few shaves?

Originally Posted by Martin103

Same here they would have to come out and work!

I think I would have to do the same thing. I know I wouldn't be able to shave with them all but I would want to shave with at least a few, especially if some were close to shave ready. I'd carefully make just a select few shave ready & would have to try them as long as they were out.....................just a few. Then I would do any repairs or maintenance any might need, then put them back away, forever!

That is beautiful beyond belief . . . I do not think I could resist the temptation to bring those beauties out to shave with them.