Early Razor Experts - Dating Needed - Late 1700s, early 1800s?

**onotoman** · 09-07-2012, 06:39 AM

Hi Guys,

I picked up this very fine and early razor a while ago, it was sold by McPherson Brothers Cutlers of Glasgow:

This is a (I would estimate) late 1700s early 1800s Razor with Horn Scales, It hasn't had much use and is even in the original mahogany box and tatty outer card case.

Card Case Reads 'Portable Razors made of the finest Sheffield Steel'

Razor is marked ELLI on the Tang

I presume that as the box states 'Razors' that there may have been a pair of razors in the box, although it looks to be tight for two.

Box has McPherson Brothers, Cutlers Glasgow on the top.

Any information about dating, greatly appreciated.

**Mike H** · 09-07-2012, 07:02 AM

Wow Dave, that is a nice razor. My first impression was that razor is in great shape, almost too good, surely it has been restored. Second, I have not seen a razor of that age ( I think your estimate is accurate), that had a worked spine. I also have doubts that the razor went with the case. Regardless of all that, congratulations on a fantastic looking razor.

**WoodfordReserve-Neat** · 09-07-2012, 07:10 AM

Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery and Markings has an entry "McPherson Brothers Glasgow" on page 180 of my edition.
Unfortunately, I have not found anything else about it in Goins'.
I would think that the short tail would put it about right for your "estimate" dating.

VERY Sweet razor - scalloped looking Jimps look nice.

**DogHair** · 09-07-2012, 01:46 PM

Very nice. I read somewhere that jimps started around 1820 but those are big so I'm not sure they qualify. I can't find my book right now.

**SliceOfLife** · 09-08-2012, 07:19 AM

Razor has almost positively been restored and I believe the spine work is done by the restorer. I doubt those are the original scales.

Datewise, I'd agree with early 19th century.

I'd be surprised if the box belonged to that razor. It looks more recent, was a 2 razor set and almost all of those I've seen were ivory scaled.

Basically I agree with everything Mike H beat me to saying.

**onotoman** · 09-10-2012, 03:57 AM

Thanks for the information guys.

The razor has a lead spacer (wedge) and the scales are of the late 1700s early 1800s style with the flat top - which is why I'm unsure as to whether it's been restored. It's also still really sharp and there was no corrosion at all to the blade. Possibly it's been stored away in some drawer for 200 years. Or maybe it has indeed been restored at some point.