Thread: Early James Johnson

This little beauty showed up today. Wonderful condition with no bevel/hone wear. James Johnson worked at the address listed on the tang, Fitzwilliam St., during the 1830 and 1840 time period. By 1852 he had moved to Allen St. He died in 1869. All 6 of his children died before reaching the age of 21. Life was hard.
The blade is a bit over 6/8 at the toe with a nice smiling taper to the heal. Longer than most at 3 1/2" heal to toe. It is done in a glaze finish. The wedge end is a pewter cap with brass flower shaped collars. The scales are horn.
The scales have a number etched in them in red. It appears to be a museum number or from a serious collection. This one will not be disassembled and will get a minimalist type restore.

That's a nice one. A keeper for sure.

Sweet! And thanks a lot, now I have another manufacturer to chase after!!

And I love that you used the word " minimalist "! Just what the Dr. ordered for this one.

Be sure to post pics when finished! I will wait with anticipation!

Nice! That is a great looking razor that is in great condition!

Found a reference to the numbers etched in the scales. I believe the razor came from the Judge Henry Lummus collection. He etched numbers and sometimes a series of colored dots into the scales as a way of cataloging his razors but it seems no one knows how the system worked. I acquired a second razor with this one that had both numbers and the dots etched into the scales. The bulk of the Lummus collection was acquired by the Shelburne Museum, located in Vermont, in 1958. There is suppose to be a collection of over 700 straight razors on display there.

Wow, really looks in pristine condition. The only things I would do with this razor is soaking the scales (without unpinning the razor) with neatsfootoil and shaving with it.

Here is a link to both of Dr. Lummus' articles from Antiques Magazine. Both are must reads http://www.anwealde.com/razors/bothlummus.pdf

Originally Posted by ajkenne

Here is a link to both of Dr. Lummus' articles from Antiques Magazine. Both are must reads http://www.anwealde.com/razors/bothlummus.pdf

Always an interesting read. Did you see on the second page where he referred to Frederick Reynold's razors as invariably worthless? Funny how opinions have changed since 1922.

Agree. He had no love for Frederick Reynolds. For sure. Mighty popular now though. Go figure....
Love those Rosette washers. They are awesome. Have some just like that on a Hamilton & Savage.