Thread: My first ebay win

I just won this one on ebay.

I wanted to experiment with blade restoration -> cleaning up rust etc. And this one sure was cheap enough.
I hope it cleans up enough to be a nice little shaver.

What drew my attention was that it is a Joseph Rodgers, and it has a masonic engraving on the shank.
I was thinking of rescaling it eventually. Are there any materials that have a historical connection to the masons (except for stone of course)?

Actually, I had thought of posting this in the auction forum, but since the auction has ended and I have a materials question, I figured I'd post it here.

Bruno,

Nice snag for the price. That should clean up nicely, although you will have to put in some time with sandpaper.

Given your proven ability to devote hour after patient hour to what seems like a lost cause, this should be a snap.

One of the photos does seem to show a weird blade profile, like a frown in the middle and smiling ends. Might just be the angle, though.

Good luck!

Josh

All in all, a nice score. At worst it will make a good shaver. At best, the corrosion damage toward the heel won't be too bad and will clean up easily to also make it a looker.

Thanks guys.

Maybe I should put that in my sig: 'Hero of the hopeless, champion of the lost cause'


that sounds almost like a good fantasy novel.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I just won this one on ebay.

I wanted to experiment with blade restoration -> cleaning up rust etc. And this one sure was cheap enough.
I hope it cleans up enough to be a nice little shaver.

What drew my attention was that it is a Joseph Rodgers, and it has a masonic engraving on the shank.
I was thinking of rescaling it eventually. Are there any materials that have a historical connection to the masons (except for stone of course)?

Actually, I had thought of posting this in the auction forum, but since the auction has ended and I have a materials question, I figured I'd post it here.

if I remember rightly the crossed compas/ set square was a makers mark used by 'Joseph Rodgers & sons' in the 1800's - so it's interesting to see it on this razor.

i'll go check my books , but I pretty sure I'm right.
Also if the comapny repeated their marking as they did their knives it means this was made for the European market - all dedicated 'colonial' sales were marked ' Joseph Rogers & Sons' with no 'd 'in the name.

I'm not sure, but that razor might be a missmatch for the box (BUT, it might not). The reason I say this is that the box is the only indication that it is a 'Josph Rodgers'. My impression is that it should also be stamped on the tang/blade somewhere. Also, I was a little suprised to see a blade of 'that age' with celluloid/plastic scales, versus something more natural from that era such as horn, shell, wood, ivory, etc....

I could be way off though (and often am...that's how I learn )

I am interested to know if the symbol was exclusive to Joseph Rodgers. Sounds like 'Wayne D' is on this one though.....Keep us posted!

c utz

I've just done some massive digging, I was wrong about the manufacturer, but it is a Sheffield razor!,I knew I'd seen the mark somewhere ,

It's in my Goins book I had ( unfortunately loaned out at the moment), but I did some digging and found this reference online

"BARBER, JOHN
Sheffield
Trademark: Square and Compasses
1810 - 1834 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267)"

I think your razor is older than you think or has been re-handled. could it be something else other than
plastic?

I think we're going to call you the Lord Salvager. Its a very well worn blade but should be able to be salvaged once that corrosion is removed. As far as the edge goes it will take some creative honing but I'm sure you can do it.

I will update you on the handle when I get it. I guess that should be sometime next week, as USPS shipping takes probably a good 10 days.

In a couple of years, that razor'll be 200 years old...


P.S. thank you Wayne for the information you've given me. It's really nice to know a bit of the background.
It would be a bit much to expect a cardboard box to survive for 200 years, but that is no problem because I can use it for my JR frameback.

Congratulations Bruno!

Not a Joseph Rodgers, but a J.Barber....even better (I prefer the older makes, so would be excited to have the J.Barber). That blade should clean up well, and you could have custom scales made/styled to the era of the blade!

It should be a beaut!

C utz