If I had to guess I would say the two with the lighter scales are pre 1810, and the darker scaled ones are ~ 1820. Hard to be 100% sure though.
how old is that straight razor?
- Thread starter Luc
- Start date
Nice...Legion, does my no name razor look like a regrind to you? Either way its nice to think that my razor is from the early 1800...kind of boggles the mind...
Yeah, it kind of does. From the pictures yours looks a lot more hollow ground and precise than other stubtails I've seen. They are always more wedge like, and a bit rougher, like they were forged one at a time rather than ground out of a blank. To my eyes, anyway.
Yours almost looks like they took an old one and then "rejuvenated" it using more modern techniques.
Or it could be a custom someone made themselves, I suppose?
Last edited:
Your eyes are way better than mine! Thanks!
I know this is an old thread, but it's a cool one! I noticed the England stamp idea for dating a razor. Does the law requiring manufacturers to include country of origin include German or American razors?
For instance, I know some J.R. Torrey razors have "U.S.A." on them, while others don't. Is this an indicator of age (pre-1890ish) as well?
For instance, I know some J.R. Torrey razors have "U.S.A." on them, while others don't. Is this an indicator of age (pre-1890ish) as well?
Starting at the top 1 from longest to shortest. The way I look at it, could be wrong with date, The shank I think is the best way to date a razor they get smaller and more grind marks.
1. W. Birks pre 1780 3”1/4
2. Superior Temper No grind on shank 1780-1800 3”1/8
3. Levick 1815 faux tortoise shell 3” 1/16
4. G crown R Best India 1820-30 3”
5. v crown R fine India pre 1890 3”
6. Stamp England Wade and Butcher 1890 +3”
Been researching the crown stamp
The stamps of English monarchs. | The Shivering Beggar
And a good way to tell the age of a blade is blade length. The light horn scales is the oldest razor plus there is no grind makes on the shank, is an other way to date them.
1. W. Birks pre 1780 3”1/4
2. Superior Temper No grind on shank 1780-1800 3”1/8
3. Levick 1815 faux tortoise shell 3” 1/16
4. G crown R Best India 1820-30 3”
5. v crown R fine India pre 1890 3”
6. Stamp England Wade and Butcher 1890 +3”
The stamps of English monarchs. | The Shivering Beggar
And a good way to tell the age of a blade is blade length. The light horn scales is the oldest razor plus there is no grind makes on the shank, is an other way to date them.
Kentos,Since all the experts will be chiming in here ill post a mystery razor of mine. It came to me sans scales, in great condition...which led me to believe it was a regrind...also the only hallmark is an anchor...it has a smaller tang, so could it be from the late 1700-early 1800? Its also almost too long...
Sorry to necro this thread, but I was wondering if you were ever able to find any information on this razor? I have one in similar condition and it appears to have the same hallmark on it (the anchor) but cannot find any information about it. The best I can come up with is likely made between 1830 and 1845, I think.
Wade & Butcher, Early 1800s 1"+ Straight Razor / Chopper - RARE Anchor Mark | eBay
Perhaps a wade and butcher?
Last edited:
Clay S, That looks very similar and just might be it. Thanks for pointing me in that direction.
Animag771, Thanks for the link. That has some very helpful info in it.!
No problem. I'm glad someone found it useful; I did.
This is an interesting thread that people just won't let die. I Was wondering if anyone knew what year they began putting country of origin on? or if some makers just voluntarily did that before it was required? *edit* i meant CITY of origin. Country of origin was 1891?
Last edited:
I took a look at your attached page. I'm looking at a Marples & Co razor I just received. The crown mark has the initials MS stamped. But on this, the initials flank the crown. Any ideas on an approximate age? Here's a couple pics. Obviously the scales are not original.
