7 Attachment(s)
George Wostenholm & Sons Awesome Etching
I recently won this razor in an ebay auction and the pictures were extremely dark and kind of far away so I definitely took a bit of a gamble on this razor but when it came today in the mail I was pleasantly surprised. Measuring in at a solid 7/8 at the widest point this beast is heavy. The best part is that its etching is 95% intact and will definitely shine up nicely after some polishing. The etching reads "GEO WOSTENHOLM & SONS SUPER SUPER EXTRA IXL RAZOR MADE EXPRESSLY FOR AMERICA" and the front of the is faded and intact and reads "IXL George Wostenholm & Sons Celebrated IXL Razor IXL". The back of the scales is cracked at both pins but the important side is in good shape. I tried to take some decent pictures but the etching is hard to capture in its present condition. Can't wait to do some minor restoration and hone it up :). Attachment 128926Attachment 128927Attachment 128928Attachment 128929Attachment 128930Attachment 128931Attachment 128932
George Wostenholm & Sons Awesome Etching
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MuskieMan33
Does IXL really mean, "I Excel?" This is interesting.
Yes it does- it was an early trademark awarded to old man wostey early on in his career. I believe the 'I*XL' mark has been around in one form or another since the late 17th century if I'm not mistaken.
Similarly jos. Allen used NON*XL which may have raised confusion among those who were illiterate way back when- possibly giving the impression a jos. Allen was a wostey to the unknowing...
Additionally in WWI era, W&B made knives under the marking IXD - or "I exceed" which was a similar concept.
Nice razor btw- the etching defiantly sets it apart.