Lucky Find WB...interesting question!

[Ols67]

Gents,

These are the sellers pictures. I think I snagged a pre-1890 wade and Butcher that was not sharpened or used. The lettering on the face is amazing for its age, the box is in ridiculous shape, and I don’t see hone wear on the spine. However, I can’t be sure from the pictures.

I think this will clean up nicely, and be a sweet/unique shaver!

If anyone has any information about these, please post below! Thanks!

Vr

Matt

 

[drmoss_ca]

I don't see the tang to judge age by the stubbiness, but you're safe in saying 'pre-1890'! This is a relatively early form of frameback, in that the blade, shank and tang are one piece, with stiffening bolsters to form the spine. I've seen another W&B like that with the slogan that is on your blade imprinted into the scales. Also note the lack of bullseye rivet washers, which W&B were very fond of. I'd guess the period in which that razor could have been made would be 1840-1860. Looks like museum quality. Why not rub it in, and tell us what you paid (hint: it wasn't enough!)?

 

[Ols67]

Ha! Thanks Chris! I knew this was a special and rare bird in this state, but I had no idea it was museum worthy! I guess the question then becomes do I have this cleaned up, honed, and use her...or do I keep it in its original state and admire it on the shelf simply as a collection piece?

Vr

matt

 

[drmoss_ca]

I vote you use it.

 

[Ols67]

That’s where I am leaning!

Vr

matt

 

[Ols67]

Gents,

Well the WB Frameback arrived, and its pretty neat!

The first thing I will say is I can’t believe that the box is in such good condition for probably being 150+ years old. There is still gold paint in the letters!

The next thing that blows me away is that the letting is beautiful! There is a bit of pitting under the F close to the edge, and I hope that doesn’t interfere with its ability to take a fine edge and shave well.

Finally, something I have never seen on a Wade and Butcher razor...the number “2” is stamped into the end of the tang. Has anyone seen this on a Wade and Butcher, and if so, do you know what it means?


Thanks!

Vr

Matt
Here is the back...just oxidation, no pitting.
t

 

[drmoss_ca]

I've not seen the tang numbered like that - the closest was that some seven-day sets were numbered but given this came in the original coffin I don't think it was part of a set.

 

[ESBrushmaker]

I don't see the tang to judge age by the stubbiness, but you're safe in saying 'pre-1890'! This is a relatively early form of frameback, in that the blade, shank and tang are one piece, with stiffening bolsters to form the spine. I've seen another W&B like that with the slogan that is on your blade imprinted into the scales. Also note the lack of bullseye rivet washers, which W&B were very fond of. I'd guess the period in which that razor could have been made would be 1840-1860. Looks like museum quality. Why not rub it in, and tell us what you paid (hint: it wasn't enough!)?

+1 Great find.

 

[brothers]

Congratulations! I'd be using it.

 

[Ols67]

This is coming along well, and it’s about ready for honing. It probably looks like a poor job because I have essentially no clue what I am doing, and I tried my best to stay off of the etching with my sandpaper and Maas polish.

I will probably hone it later today or tomorrow, and use it some time next week!

Vr

Matt

 

[drmoss_ca]

Looks pretty good to me - you don't want it to look like a brand new razor after all. Is the blade really thin and flat as most framebacks were, or is this one of those transitional types that imitate the frameback look but actually have a slight wedge or even slightly hollowed blade?

 

[Ols67]

Chris,

This is a faux frameback, with what I would describe as a pretty thin wedge. I just finished setting the bevel...no major edge to spine geometry issues, and the one thing I was worried about (the putting under the F) is a non-issue. I checked it under the 10x loupe and the pitting is at the very top of the bevel near the edge...it does not go anywhere close to the actual edge. I think it is going to make a great shaver!

I got lucky with this one! Here are some pictures which answer your question.

Vr

Matt

 

[drmoss_ca]

Interesting to see a true wedge blade - although because of the add-on spine it hones like a hollowed blade. True framebacks had perfectly flat blades of uniform thickness from top to edge. The wedge should get rid of the only weakness of most framebacks - the flexibility of the blade. This one ought to be a stiff and silent shaver.

 

[Ols67]

Chris,

Yes...I have a second one of these with a brass add on frameback...though it lacks the majority of the etching.

I just finished honing this razor, and I can tell you that it looks stunning at the edge under the loupe, and after stropping it blew the HHT out of the water all along the edge. Shave test next week since Sunday belongs to the Osborn & Sons “Sunday” razor. (Unless I get nuts and shave later this evening!)

Vr

Matt

 

[Ols67]

Gents,

Here are some pictures of the one with the brass frameback. The neat thing about this one is that it has “J.E. Poindexter” inscribed in cursive on the back scale.


I did a cursory search for this chap and it appears he might have been a Private in the Confederate Army during the U.S. Civil War from 1861-1865 out of North Carolina.

The reason that I make this incredible leap is because during my research I found this Civil War ledger.


They look very similar to me...especially the “J” and “P” as well as the script for Poindexter.

We will likely never know. Here is the other clue that I will likely explore when I get some time:






Vr

Matt

 

[Ols67]

I just couldn’t help myself...this is truly a MAGNIFICIENT shaver!

I hope that everyone has a nice weekend!

Vr

Matt

 

[drmoss_ca]

Well done! That's a keeper, for sure.

 

[K5MOW]

Great work. Looks awesome

 

[Ols67]

Thanks guys!

Vr

Matt