I nabbed this off the Bay:

Name: IMG_0209.jpg Views: 1759 Size: 49.1 KB

From the pictures on the auction, I assumed it was a 1800-1820 Sheffield razor (and so I HAD TO HAVE IT).

What I didn't realize was the size of the thing.

Name: IMG_0210.jpg Views: 800 Size: 28.5 KB

Above it is a Mab razor and above that a more normal sized Joseph Rodgers.

It's stamped 'Refined Steel', which is the only clue I've got about its origin.

Name: IMG_0211.jpg Views: 825 Size: 58.2 KB

It had a fair bit of red rust on it, but that all came off easily and didn't leave any significant pitting. The scales appear to be hand-carved ivory (there are toolmarks but zero grain) and it's got a couple chips and a fair bit of discoloration.

Name: IMG_0212.jpg Views: 886 Size: 68.2 KB

It centers perfectly, opens and closes smoothly and feels very solid in-hand.

I'm more than a little mystified about it though. Is it a Sheffield razor? Early American? Other than The Mab, I hadn't ever seen anything that small (and unless I'm mistaken, corn razors are smaller still).

Anyone have any thoughts on the providence of this? I know it came from the estate of a master die-maker in Indiana who'd kept a large, eccentric antiques collection, but that's it.