Cased set of mid 19th century straight razors.
Auld Curiosities is privileged to be in a position to offer this cased set of two straight razors. It is not very often that we come across a product of such quality and age. While it is difficult to read, research has confirmed the maker as William Smith of Lombardy Street, London 24 and for these razors would have been made between 1820 and early 1830’s (determined by blade shape, the presence of jimps, handle shape and the use of genuine tortoiseshell for the scales rather than celluloid). The blade is 8/16ths at its broadest, and appears to ‘silver steel’ – a process developed by Michael Faraday which had significant enhancement effects from the addition of just 0.02%silver to the steel. There is slight to moderate hollow grinding of the blade. The 20th photograph shows the growth rings of the tortoise shell
Both blades have small areas of rust (none near the cutting edge) and would benefit from professional refurbishment, The scales, as previously noted are genuine tortoiseshell, evidenced by the fine, light growth rings seen at the pivot end and edges of the scales. There is chipping in places on the edges of each scale – perhaps able to be polished out . The wedge or end pin on each handle is covered by a decorative silver plate and there is also engraved name plates (H McDonald) on each straight razor. The case has a nice plush velvet as can be seen on the inner surface – wear due to age but no tears etc, while the outside of the case is covered in a fine leather / leather-like substance.- again wear but no signs of abuse.
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