I offer this as conclusive proof of the adage that sometimes it really is better to be lucky than good.
Last weekend my wife and I took in an outdoor antique fair, mostly just as a way to spend a beautiful early fall day together. She likes to browse the assortment of vintage stuff; I of course am on the lookout for razors and such. But based on previous experience at this event, I had low expectations in that department, until I came across this.
I spied the case, which was closed. peeking inside, I found this Damaskeene. It was pretty grungy, and I could see that there was quite a bit of plating loss on the cap. But the mechanics checked out; blade stops intact and spring in working order. And the honest truth: in the course of this quick evaluation of condition, I failed to even notice that this was an OC. I thought I'd found a garden variety Damaskeene. I inquired as to the price, and the vendor responded with what I thought was a fair price for a user grade Damaskeene, with the case being pretty much a total loss. I won't quote the price, but let's just say it was in the low double digits. I vacillated, thinking I really don't need another Damaskeene. Ah, what the heck, I decided it would be fun to go home with at least something in hand. Deal.
Once home, I tossed it in to soak and promptly forgot about it for a couple of days. Upon fishing it out and taking the toothbrush to it, I noticed that the underside of the tray was completely flat; unlike any other Damaskeene I've ever seen. This prompted a closer look and ... Holy (expletive of your choice)! This is an OC! In a case where neither seller nor buyer knew what they had, blind luck (for me) carries the day.
I'm looking forward to taking her for a spin tomorrow.
Last weekend my wife and I took in an outdoor antique fair, mostly just as a way to spend a beautiful early fall day together. She likes to browse the assortment of vintage stuff; I of course am on the lookout for razors and such. But based on previous experience at this event, I had low expectations in that department, until I came across this.
I spied the case, which was closed. peeking inside, I found this Damaskeene. It was pretty grungy, and I could see that there was quite a bit of plating loss on the cap. But the mechanics checked out; blade stops intact and spring in working order. And the honest truth: in the course of this quick evaluation of condition, I failed to even notice that this was an OC. I thought I'd found a garden variety Damaskeene. I inquired as to the price, and the vendor responded with what I thought was a fair price for a user grade Damaskeene, with the case being pretty much a total loss. I won't quote the price, but let's just say it was in the low double digits. I vacillated, thinking I really don't need another Damaskeene. Ah, what the heck, I decided it would be fun to go home with at least something in hand. Deal.
Once home, I tossed it in to soak and promptly forgot about it for a couple of days. Upon fishing it out and taking the toothbrush to it, I noticed that the underside of the tray was completely flat; unlike any other Damaskeene I've ever seen. This prompted a closer look and ... Holy (expletive of your choice)! This is an OC! In a case where neither seller nor buyer knew what they had, blind luck (for me) carries the day.
I'm looking forward to taking her for a spin tomorrow.