Real Turtle Shell? Joseph Elliots Masonic

Hi Gents,
Just got back from a great day out where I was able to pick up a spotless Clauss, W&B, and this fabulous Joseph Elliots Masonic Best Silver Steel with what looks to be real tortoise scales - It burns a little when a hot needle gets put to them, but not in the same way as with celluloid. They're semi-transparent, and the brown bits down't go all the way through. Thoughts?

Either way, I figure a little Mass, no re-pinning, and enjoy a great Sheffield shave with a fairly unique razor!:y

Mark

Mottled horn I believe!

Thanks a bunch! It's an oddly green colour though - would mottled horn be that colour (sorry for the bad pics, it really distorts the colour - makes it more yellow).

Mark

Agreed. Mottled horn. I have a Bengal with the same scales. You can see the longitudinal grain of the horn in mine and I'm sure in yours as well.

Chris L

Of course I am interested in the Masonic etchings.

I am relatively new to straights. Started shaving with one a week ago.

Are the Masonic etchings something common on vintage razors?

What about new razors?

Satch

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Satch

Of course I am interested in the Masonic etchings.

I am relatively new to straights. Started shaving with one a week ago.

Are the Masonic etchings something common on vintage razors?

What about new razors?

Satch

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They're around. Certainly not common. You'll see them on Ebay. Just keep an eye out for them and if you see a large blade with Masonic etchings, get prepared to be in a bidding war.

Chris L

Here are some tortoise shell pics from a class I took. It is pre ban tortoise shell. This is what it looks like in an unpolished state.

Charlie

Great looking razor !
You can make almost invisible repairs to those small chips in the horn but she looks in great shape as is.
Here's a W&B with similar symbols - unfortunately not mine.