Thread: Date of a Wade & Butcher

I took the scales off the Wade & Butcher that I bought a few weeks ago, and even though I'm new to straight razors I could tell they were neither original, nor made by someone who had general shop class knowledge.

I can barely see the etching on the blade and wondered if anyone else has an inkling of what it is and what the date of the blade is. I can make out what looks like wheat branches, but the rest is just swirls. Other than that, the only marking is "Manufactured by Wade & Butcher, Sheffield."

The other question I have is that is seems to be wider at the toe then it does the heel. Is that normal? If it isn't, is it correctable?

That is in general a pretty common shape for old sheffield blades. There were many different etches with school and oak leaf adornment. It is seriously faint. Good job on getting a picture of it.

Looks like the Cornucopia or horn of plenty. A fairly common etching. I believe that etchings became popular in the 1850's and according to the 'Standard Guide to Razors' were very popular through the 1860's. A guess at your razor date 1860 -1890. Although there is some hone wear the grind/blade shape has not been altered. A very typical square point near wedge blade shape. I'm sure it will hone up into a fine shaver.