Thread: Advice needed on this Judge Henry Lummus, Wade & Butcher

I won this razor in a recent auction and was only originaly buying it for the blade to re-scale it.

Since buying it I have been informed it came from the collection of a Judge Henry Lummus who I know nothing of?
Also I find out that marked on the scales is some sort of code?
Again I know nothing of.

What I need to know is, looking at the pictures are the scales saveable?
How would you proceed with this, they are cracked (but stable) by the pin but are also severly warped (made from bone)

I have started hand polishing the blade and its looking good
I love the look of this blade

Thanks.

The "Code" ?

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Backside

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Warped Scales

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For me if the crack is at the wedge and is stable it isn't an issue. If the crack is at the pivot chances are it will never be tight enough for me to feel secure stropping and what have you. If it is tight I wouldn't worry about it. The warp wouldn't bother me either if the razor closes centered, without hitting the edge against the scales. Can't help you on the code.

Unfortunately the crack is at the pivot end.

I have a few ideas on how to proceed, but I am determined to keep it original now.

Watch this space!

Might keep the non cracked scale and just replace the cracked one.

the non cracked scale has the cool stuff anyway.

Not sure if it is the same Lummus but here is a thread with razor related content vis a vis Lummus. IIRC facsimiles of the articles can be found online somewhere.

I spoke with Robert Doyle whose collection this razor came from via Judge Lummus. The Judge noted his razors in a series of colored dots on the scales. Doyle insisted he never cracked the code himself. I have a similar Lummus razor coming my way today... For historic value, I will leave the scales as they are.

If you're intent on doing something to it, try removing the scales, soaking them in hot water (not boiling) on the stove for a period until they are slightly pliable, and figure out a wood jig to hold them in place the way you want them to be. Then put the whole setup in the oven on 110 degrees for a few hours. When removed, the scales will be in the shape you made them. This method is used for bending wood. I'd only try this if the lettering you are trying to save is engraved, not painted on. Then, you can buff them with a dremel

I have unpinned it and am currently polishing the blade, I will try your method of straightening the scales and put it all back together.

Thanks for the tips.

the code is similar to a recent string of crop circles. proceed cautiously.

My personal Henry Lummus Rodgers in horn with "crop circles" arrived yesterday...