Scale Replacement, Historical Accuracy, and Value

Hi,

Sorry if this has already been asked. Poked through the forum a bit and didn't see it...

I have inherited my great grandfather's pre-1890 Wade & Butcher with (I think) horn scales. It needs quite a bit of blade-work, and once it's polished, the blade won't look great on the scales. The handle isn't in TERRIBLE shape, but I'd like to replace it.

My question is this: will replacing the scales negatively impact the value of the razor? Not that I'm planning to sell it, but I don't want to destroy something that's worth more in its original condition. Also, what should I know as far as keeping everything historically accurate?

Thanks,

Blackthorn

Most of the commercial value in razors is in the working aspect of the razor. So an old razor with poor surface condition and barely functioning scales is not as salable of an item as one that has beautiful metal condition and nice functioning scales. I have tried and tried to make horn scales look like old horn scales. There is a certain look that I have not been able to repeat. I think that an old blade in fantastic metal condition with a true and natural patina and aged and full functioning scales is the pinnacle of value. Bear in mind that is what I value and not the open market.
Attachment 260427
This is a good example of a razor with nice aged scales and beautiful patina that has been loved and cared for for a very long time. It is not rusty nor pitted nor covered in black rust, it is actual real patina. Black rust is not patina.
Attachment 260428
This is a razor that I tried to make look old. When I received it, it was in bad shape and needed some serious sanding and deep cleaning, it was full of rust both active red rust and black rust. I worked pretty hard to make the steel look like someone had loved and cared for it for a long long time. The scales are a swing and a miss as far as I am concerned, they are not the right shape exactly and the ages look did not work out at all.
So the steel can be made to look old, scales I am sure can too, I just have not figured out how with horn. Bone is a different story, but you have horn scales.

Welcome to the forum

Usually the main value of most vintage razors that have a family connection is as an heirloom. Unless it is NOS and/or an extremely rare example, it has a relatively modest monetary value. In that case modifying it would have a negative impact on it's monetary value. It depends on what you have there.

Just as there are ways to clean up a blade there are also ways to rehab the scales. You may be able to salvage the scales without resorting to making new ones.

Some clear photos of the razor would go a long way to giving you some proper advice.

Bob

I se Rez beat me to it. Must type faster.

Can you share some pics? If the scales are not damaged too bad they can be repaired possibly and you xan still have the original scales and washers and such. As stated value is subjective really depends on the market and whom is looking for what.
If the scales can be salvaged then IMO that increases value as far as monetary and historical. I like to keep as much as I can when I can.

Pics as said above mean way more then 1000 words hehehe

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Pics as said above mean way more then 1000 words hehehe

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Attachment 260495Attachment 260496Attachment 260497Attachment 260498Attachment 260499

If it were my heirloom I'd use some Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish, Flitz, etc. to clean it up a bit, get a pro to hone it (check out Member Services here on SRP) and shave with it, should be a fine shaver once the chips are out of the edge. The scales look good to me, I'd leave them alone except for treating them with some neats foot oil to condition them, but that's just me, I really like original.

I'm definitely keeping it as a daily shaver. I'll see how the scales clean up with some fine sandpaper and some oil. I DO have some ideas for new scales though that I'm dancing with... don't know what a razor like this is worth so I don't know if it'd be worth putting mammoth or walrus scales on, but I like toying with the idea. I really want to learn to restore the edge of a razor like mine, so I'll probably buy some cheap ones from local antique shops to practice on before fixing this one but I want to do the work myself.

:OT

I am Soooooooo saving your pics to my files,,,

Factory Hollow Ground Blade, which was ground after 1891 note the stamp,,, it has no "England" on there :hmmm:

I have tried many time to explain that the Country stamps are only a guide to dating a razor not an absolute..


On Topic:

that looks to be in darn good shape, I agree soak in in Neatsfoot Oil a couple of days BEFORE doing anything else to recondition the Horn scales, then go slow ...

After seeing your pics of the razor I think it is in very good condition all things considered. I definitely think it can be restored and kept original while doing so. As it is a family heirloom I do not think it is a good idea to attempt a restoration on your own. I would suggest that you have it restored by a competent/reputable restorer. There are just too many ways to mess up if you have no experience doing that sort of thing. OTH it is your razor to do with it as you please.

Bob

That is an awesome heirloom piece. Moisturize the scales and clean it around the pivot, it should be real nice like that. I would not do much. Get it Professionally honed and Robert is your mothers brother.

Yep, as all are saying. Get some neetsfoot oil, put the razor in a ziplock baggie and put some oil in baggie. Squeeze out most the air and zip it up. Come back a couple days later and start the cleanup. As for cleaning the blade, I think I'd have a pro do it. Its a nice piece and they will do it up right. You dont want to end up with a mirror shine on something like that and that is what most people will do when first starting out in the restoring or razors. Dont ask me how I know. ha.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

:OT

I am Soooooooo saving your pics to my files,,,

Factory Hollow Ground Blade, which was ground after 1891 note the stamp,,, it has no "England" on there :hmmm:

I have tried many time to explain that the Country stamps are only a guide to dating a razor not an absolute..


On Topic:

that looks to be in darn good shape, I agree soak in in Neatsfoot Oil a couple of days BEFORE doing anything else to recondition the Horn scales, then go slow ...

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Unrelated question, is there a way to narrow down a more specific date? Maybe within a couple decades?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BlackthornForge

Unrelated question, is there a way to narrow down a more specific date? Maybe within a couple decades?

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1910 ish or there abouts

Martin103
Manah /Alex

They are the real historians on the site might get even closer for you

Well I learnt another thing this week, Thanks Glen for pointing out the missing England from the tang I had not even caught that nor did I realize what you stated! Bravo, back to this topic more specific, very nice W&B razor you have there. I do completely understand wanting to do the work yourself and I appreciate that, also not saying you can not do it but I would wait before diving in on such a nice piece of history and an heirloom. As stated too, a soak in neatsfoot and a bit of cleaning will have it looking very nice and a pro hone you will be set. :D