Thread: To restore, or not to restore?

Originally Posted by Dzanda

The etching on that blade is marvelous!

I sure hope that you thanked your mom-in-law.

Oh yeah, profusely. They were ready to hand it to me immediately, but I told her and her husband to think about it, given its age and potential value. Couldn't ask for better in-laws!

I suspect it's maybe a bit newer than 1880 by the depiction of the bicycles. The first safety bicycle of this configuration (equal sized wheels, rear wheel chain drive) was designed in 1885. For them to be raced and then depicted on this razor suggests some date post-1885, possibly 1886-1890.

It's still a cool razor, good luck with the restore.

Mike

Originally Posted by CubReporter

Good afternoon, gentlemen!

My mother-in-law found this really cool H. Boker & Co. razor with a bicycle race etching on the blade. After insisting several times she think about it first, she outright gave it to me.

From the information I found on this site, it dates back to 1880 and is in reasonably good shape for its age. After reading a post on Maggard's Razors about whether a razor meets criteria to get a restoration, I confirmed with Brad there that this is certainly worth it. He referred me to another professional who agreed and feels confident they can do the job. My biggest worries on this razor are a couple of minor rust spots and a broken scale, but I'm confident in this restorer's ability, looking at their portfolio.

I'd like to step up and have this done, but should I?

I'm taking into consideration the collectable and antique value of this razor. Is it better to leave the razor as it is, or should I get it in top shape again?

Here are a few photos. Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

Attachment 178092Attachment 178093Attachment 178094Attachment 178095Attachment 178096Attachment 178097

Boker Tree dates


http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post204784

Originally Posted by mdwright

I suspect it's maybe a bit newer than 1880 by the depiction of the bicycles. The first safety bicycle of this configuration (equal sized wheels, rear wheel chain drive) was designed in 1885. For them to be raced and then depicted on this razor suggests some date post-1885, possibly 1886-1890.

It's still a cool razor, good luck with the restore.

Mike

According to an index on this website, it dates it at 1884:
Böker, H & Co "Bicycle Race" 7/8 - Straight Razor Place Library

According to the "Tree" it was made between 1924 and 1935 and that is Boker's info


My personal interpretation of the Tree from your pics, I reserve the right to change my mind if the razor were in hand under well lit magnification

I would restore and use it. The strop won't do any damage to the etching IMHO.

I am not a big fan of having a muscle car and leaving it in the garage.

I still think the tree looks closer to the earlier version, especially if you look at the little branch at the bottom of the right hand side. There's no "Tree Brand" written on it. I tried to get in contact with H. Boker and Co. to get more dating information, but they told me their records were either destroyed during bombing or fires in World War II. It seems some of the logo information I've found seems either contradictory or incomplete.

Here's another example dating the razor earlier than the 1900s. This is a PDF of lots in bicycle auction. The same razor is listed in Lot 21: http://www.copakeauction.com/bicycle...2006/color.pdf

Just my take 1924 and 1935.

Its pretty old no matter how you slice it. I am no expert, nor do I clame to be but I don't think the date will radically change anthing as far as what you have. Its a really cool razor and I would have it restored and shave with it.


My only advice is make sure you are sending it to a respectable vendor from a good forum.

Oh, I don't mean to be combative, just trying to make sense of things is all.

After talking to the restorer I plan to use, I think I will move forward with a restoration. It's going to take a little time, though. Money's tight at the moment, but I do want to get this back on its best looks without completely killing the patina.

No worries brother. Make sure you share pictures with us when you get it complete. Nothing like seeing a great razor brought back to life.