Look what I found at local antique store

Jim1970 · 09-13-2008, 03:57 PM

Hello folks,

Just wanted to share with you what I found at a local antique store. Tell me what you think.

Jim

Both came in the original boxes. They came with a flat object that I believe is a ceramic sharpening stone. However, it appears unused. It says on the bottom "Franz Swaty warhring beiwien austria." I'm almost 100% certain it is ceramic - but it appears to never have been used.

On the boxes of the razors, there are lots of words. The dark box contains the razor that has what appears to be wooden handles. On the outside of the box on the short end (the lid) it says, "A. Clauberg New York Made in Germany." On the opposite side on the bottom portion of the box, it says, "The Mikado Blade" and "Fine Japanese Steel." When the top is removed, there is a sticker inside that reads, "This razor must be handled with great care on account of its extreme thinness and high temper as it is easily broken Razor will be good by us" with no period after the word broken. The razor itself is 6.25" long closed. The blade appears to be 1/2 inch wide with a round tipped blade. There are notches on the top and bottom edges of the tang -- the ones on the top (or outside) are wider apart, while the ones on the inside are closer together. Pins and scales appear to be original. Pins are simply pins through the material. The action is loose -- it falls open. I think they are wooden scales, but when I tap them they don't sound like wood. On the blade I can see there were once words -- I can now only make out an "IXL" on the edge closest to the top pin. There is slight rust and no pitting on the blade itself.

The second blade also came in the original box. It is very ornate with a border or trim around the edges and a scroll-like design in the middle. Upon opening the box, there is another label -- it is torn, but these words are visible, "This RAZOR (torn) fine temper a (torn) very thin, (torn) handled carefull (torn) broken RAZORS (torn) exchanged." This razor is also about 6" long when closed. The blade is 7/8" wide with a spike or square tip. There are no notches on the tang of this blade. This one is much more ornate, with decorative metal around each pin and around the ends of the scales. The pins are much nicer than the pins on the first razor -- these appear to have a pin that is surrounded by more metal to hold them in place. The action on this one is firm -- it does not fall open. The scales appear to be bone or ivory and they have fine lines that run through the material -- not cracks, but striations that appear to be part of the material. The blade has words that I can see. On one side they say, "Perfecto" in an oval. On the other side, it says, "Peter J Michels New York Made in Germany" and there is a bell with an arrow threw it. There is no rust on this blade and no pitting. This one appears ready to use right now -- it is sharp as hell.

holli4pirating · 09-13-2008, 04:09 PM

The stone you've got is referred to as a Swaty, and they are typically used as finishing stones or to touch up a razor that is just starting to pull. I use one as a finishing stone, and it does a great job.

The first razor you described is a George Wostenholm, made in Sheffield. IXL is one of their trademarks (the Pipe is the other). They are great shavers, something of an underrated Sheffield.

The second one, well it seems you have all the info by reading it off the razor. There were a lot of good blades made in Germany, many for foreign distributers (like yours). Chances are it too will be a great shaver.

All in all, a very nice haul.

Jim1970 · 09-13-2008, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the info.

This could become quite a hobby!

Jim

holli4pirating · 09-13-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim1970

Thanks for the info.

This could become quite a hobby!

Jim

Name something you can have that relates to straight razor shaving. Somewhere on this site, there is someone who has an AD (acquisition disorder), and can't stop buying it.

It certainly is quite the hobby! It's great!

Jim1970 · 09-13-2008, 04:25 PM

And, I have found more than one forum about straight razors! Well, there goes my weekend!!

My wife likes it because it's cheaper than firearms and motorcycles! That makes it a win-win situation.

Jim