Thread: carved ivory John Bingham x Mottram straight razors w/ elaborate pique work

This offering of straight razors and related items is from the collection of Claude Rondeau with additions.

Claude Rondeau, who lived in France, collected fancy and unusual straight razors for over 40 years. I, Robert Doyle, met him when he visited my home in 1984 to view my collection. While he purchased some unique pieces from me over the years, he primarily assembled his collection in France. As this offering will attest, he sought the rare and unusual. French made straight razors are quite rare in the U.S. and very hard to find. One unique feature is the wooden slide top cases that house some of his straight razors. A good number of these rarities are offered in this auction. He also collected many rare genuine ivory handled 19thC examples - many one of a kind.

Item Details:
Two very ornate carved ivory handled straight razors with elaborate pique work patterns in a slide top strop top wood case. C-1825-35. 1. John Bingham with top of blade stamped “Old English.” 2. Illegible above “Cast Steel” with stamped “G. Crown R.” (G(crown)R stamped on tang dates to King George, 1760-1830). Pique Work: Note: Pique work was the art of inlaying tiny silver pins, by hand, into the predrilled holes of the pattern. It was a cottage industry done in homes around the manufacturing city of Sheffield. This artistry was popular from about 1820-1840's. Pique work was performed on horn, pearl, tortoise shell, ivory and bone. You will not find two identical pieces. Even the pins are set by hand so they are not even in height. Both beautiful patterns surround escutcheon plates. Note damage in photos.

Thanks

Cheetah