Thread: Boker "Columbian Centennial" -- what next?

What happens when a newbie falls into the deep end? . . .

I just bought (really cheap) a Boker razor, engraved with "World's Columbian Exposition, 1893". I think this was "beginner's luck" at the local flea market -- it's my third razor.

The blade is in good shape -- lots of patina, but very little rust, with a decent edge. The design is etched (or engraved) into the blade, not printed-on.

One of the scales is broken off at the pivot.

Here's my dilemma. If it were a plain Boker, I'd clean it up, have it re-scaled, sharpen it, and use it. But that "Columbian Exposition" design complicates things.

Questions for whomever knows:

1. Does the razor have any "collectible" value because it's a Columbian Exposition commemorative? Or is it "just another Boker" ? [No, I'm not asking for a valuation . . .<g> ]

2. If it does have "collectible" value, will I reduce the value by using Flitz on the blade to get rid of some patina? The design is etched pretty deeply; it won't be damaged.

3. If it does have "collectible" value, will I reduce the value by getting a new pair of scales (rendering the razor "not original") ?

This is a whole new world to me . . . Thanks for any help you can offer.

Charles