Thread: Razor Identification

Hello All,
Im new to the scene, just resently purchased a F.H. Loeffler razor from an antique shop. I got a great deal on it, or at least I think I did. I have not been able to find any information concerning this company. Any additional information would be would be greatly appreciated.

There is an F W Loeffler & Co in Rochester NY - they are now wholesale beauty equipment suppliers.

The founder was Frederick H Loeffler - he appears in the Rochester telephone directory of 1888 - 1891. He had a partner for about 8 years - Edwin Sykes - up until 1905 when Sykes sold out.

F H Loeffler was born in Buffalo in 1860. He started business in Rochester in 1885, first in Andrews St and then in Front St nr Main. In 1905 his business was rated as one of the largest in the city, selling toilet soaps, shaving outfits, grinding and honing equipment, razors and the full line of barbers equipment and furniture.

Regards,
Neil

Thank you for your prompt response Neil. Is the razor any good?

I have a Loefler & Sykes 5/8 spike. One side is marked: Rochester, NY / made in Germany. The other side is marked: OUR DRUMMER. Above this is a figure of a man in a long coat and hat. He holds a satchel in his right hand and has his left hand in his coat pocket. A doctor ? It's a neat razor and a great shaver.

Since I live in Rochester, I'm always on the lookout for local razors. Robeson is the most well known hometown brand. Geneva is about 40 miles to the East. Cattaraugus and Olean are about 90 miles South.

Originally Posted by georgej

Thank you for your prompt response Neil. Is the razor any good?

That I can't tell you George - I have never owned one. But seeing as how Loeffler's reputation grew and grew, and how his company is still trading, he must have sold good stuff!

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by ajsaxs

I have a Loefler & Sykes 5/8 spike. One side is marked: Rochester, NY / made in Germany. The other side is marked: OUR DRUMMER. Above this is a figure of a man in a long coat and hat. He holds a satchel in his right hand and has his left hand in his coat pocket. A doctor ?

ajsax - The figure on your razor probably represents a salesman, who in earlier days, were called drummers. They would criss-cross the country by train, stagecoach, (and later) in automobiles visiting every whistlestop and crossroads village that had a general store. They carried their company's samples in satchels and cases to show to the store owners. That model of razor was probably called Our Drummer because it's quality was supposed to be representative of the company's wares and acted as a "salesman" or drummer.

Regards - Walt

Makes perfect sense, thank you Walt.