Thread: Wilbert Cutlery Chicago

I just scored this fine razor at a local Antique Mall. I don't think this one has ever been honed. Manufactures info says it was made between 1908 and 1921. I haven't had time to hone it up yet but it should make a good shaver. I'm not sure what plastic it is that makes up the scales and covering for the shank. It doesn't smell like celluloid. Enough talk here is the pictures.

bj

great catch BJ.nice looking blade

Very nice!!

That is one of the fancier and nicer Wilbert's I have seen! Great find, and they are good shavers in my experience. As most of us know, Sears, Roebuck & Co imported razors under the Wilbert name from 1908-1921, but I can't find any information on who they jobbed the razors to in Germany. Does anyone have that information? My Wilbert's only have the Wilbert name and Germany on the blades.

Congrats!! Very nice score and from an antique mall to boot! I have come across several straights from local vendors that look like they have never been used.

From the number of posts related to antique shops and flea markets that have been posted lately it looks like a bunch of us have made some impressive scores!

I love hearing these stories and am looking forward to those yet to be posted!

Originally Posted by Croaker

That is one of the fancier and nicer Wilbert's I have seen! Great find, and they are good shavers in my experience. As most of us know, Sears, Roebuck & Co imported razors under the Wilbert name from 1908-1921, but I can't find any information on who they jobbed the razors to in Germany. Does anyone have that information? My Wilbert's only have the Wilbert name and Germany on the blades.

No Proof but it looks like Boker lines to me...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

No Proof but it looks like Boker lines to me...

You are right Glen. I just saw Joed's Boker on his thread and it looks exactly like my Wilbert accept for the scales and tang covering material. Mine also has Silver King etched on the blade. Thanks for the observation.

bj

NO!

Stay away from Wilbert cutlery razors, they give you cooties.

And they shave like dull butterknives.

STAY AWAY.

Originally Posted by Joed

Congrats!! Very nice score and from an antique mall to boot! I have come across several straights from local vendors that look like they have never been used.

From the number of posts related to antique shops and flea markets that have been posted lately it looks like a bunch of us have made some impressive scores!

I love hearing these stories and am looking forward to those yet to be posted!

Thanks Joed. This also had the original case with it that was in great shape. When I find something like this I wonder where it has been setting for the last 90 or 100 years. I probably paid too much for it but I could tell it was in great shape and wasn't ever sharpened so had to have it. I will probably be able to get to it next week to try it out. I can't wait.

bj

Originally Posted by 2Sharp

Thanks Joed. This also had the original case with it that was in great shape. When I find something like this I wonder where it has been setting for the last 90 or 100 years. I probably paid too much for it but I could tell it was in great shape and wasn't ever sharpened so had to have it. I will probably be able to get to it next week to try it out. I can't wait.

bj

You're quite welcome.

Price is relative to how much you want something and how much money you have available.

I have often wondered the same thing. I have found numerous straights that look like they were never honed or just honed a few times. I love coming across these straight but I also have a high respect for straights with heavy hone wear and even more for the ones that were rescaled out in the barn. These markings show a great fondness of the previous owner for the straight (or lack of funds to buy another) and I love that type of history. I have seen many different styles of honing on the straights I have and try to duplicate them, except for frowns, as best I can. I figure the previous owners shaved for more of their lives than I have so far and may have had some reason for their methods. Some may have been bad habits and others may have had secrets that are lost to history. In any event, I give them a try. Most times they shave just fine.

Hope you enjoy your Wilbert straight!