Thread: Slater Brothers Antique store Acquisition

My wife has been looking for a dresser and she asked me to go to a local antique store today. Reluctantly I did so. While she was looking at furniture I wandered around just looking at stuff, not looking for anything in particular. I ran into this case with a bunch of old barber equipment. I had no idea they sold old things like that, in an antique store no less. This guy happened to be walking by while I was looking, and he had a special key. This key just happened to fit the lock on the case holding the contents I was looking at. I couldn't believe it. Then this nice man explained to me that there are people who restore, and actually use old straight razors. Can you imagine that? Well to make a long story short, due to his high pressure sales tactics, I ended up purchasing one of his razors. He said an old barber had brought it in. Well my wife got real mad at me on the way home for spending $32.00 on such a piece of junk. She's probably right, but I thought it was pretty.

So does anyone know anything about this razor? I googled for it and didn't find this exact model. I did find the years the company was in business. The guy claimed it has real ivory scales. It does have fine grains and saw marks on the inside of the thin scales. I suppose I'd have to try and burn it to really know. I wonder what "corporate marks" refers to? Thanks for any help. Here are a few pictures.

I can't help you with the make of markings but I will say that with the Ivory scales. Sheffield stamp and wedge blade you did very well!! Someone may jump in and help with the other stamps. Many of us here would not call that blade junk, even with the staining. Excellent find!

I think that's a beauty! A little cleaning and a competent hone and you've got yourself a heck of a shaver I'd bet. Good score and welcome to SRP.

Originally Posted by Joed

I can't help you with the make of markings but I will say that with the Ivory scales. Sheffield stamp and wedge blade you did very well!! Someone may jump in and help with the other stamps. Many of us here would not call that blade junk, even with the staining. Excellent find!

I should mention that the first paragraph of my post was "historical fiction." For the record my wife didn't yell at me. I felt I paid a little too much. It would have been a much better deal without the stains, but with a lot of elbow grease I'm hoping I can make them go away.
Kent

Originally Posted by keenedge

I should mention that the first paragraph of my post was "historical fiction." For the record my wife didn't yell at me. I felt I paid a little too much. It would have been a much better deal without the stains, but with a lot of elbow grease I'm hoping I can make them go away.
Kent

If you can feel a dip in the metal for the blade markings the markings are engraved and will not fade away with Maas or sanding. If you do not feel a dip in the metal it is etched and Maas (or other metal polishing compounds) or sanding will remove it or make it very faint. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Joed

If you can feel a dip in the metal for the blade markings the markings are engraved and will not fade away with Maas or sanding. If you do not feel a dip in the metal it is etched and Maas (or other metal polishing compounds) or sanding will remove it or make it very faint. Good luck!

I'm pretty sure it's engraved with something in the recesses to darken the metal. The markings have a rough feel to them. I would like to keep the logo if possible.
Kent

+1 on no sanding or harsh chemical abrasives! That nice razor would lose a lot of appeal if the etching was damaged. Maybe some fine steel wool and very light polish like Mothers Billet is all it needs. Here are two references from Goins' about the manufacturer: the Venture trademark dates from 1868.
H.M. SLATER c1853-1991 "Venture" is stamped on the back of the tang.
H.M. SLATER LTD. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND c1853-1991 This firm is still in business at the Venture Works, 105 Arundel Street, Sheffield England. They use the trademarks "H.G. Long $ Co." "John Copley & Sons" and J. Crookes." This company manufactured Bowie type knives, amotner kinds of cutlery. The trademarks are shown for VENTURE, JOHN COPLEY & SONS SHEFFIELD XX.

I had the exact same razor, minus the scales. Sold it to a new member looking for something 'cool' for a restore project.
I still count it as a big mistake on my part

Nice find...I'd keep it!

nice grab.