Check out the scales on this Wade and Butcher

[orchestrion]

I just got back from the flea market where I got this 7/8ths Wade and Butcher. The blade seems to be in pretty good shape. Definitely needs a bit of cleaning and a honing before it's good to go. The scales, though, are really unique. Has anyone seen scales like this before?

 

[azmark]

What a nice find. I've seen scales similar on ERN blades.

 

[luvmysuper]

That's a fairly common theme, as is the peacock and the half shucked corn cob.
I see them all pretty frequently on my antique store amblings.
Still, very nice, and most I see don't have much color left, unlike yours.

 

[orchestrion]

That's a fairly common theme, as is the peacock and the half shucked corn cob.
I see them all pretty frequently on my antique store amblings.
Still, very nice, and most I see don't have much color left, unlike yours.

Interesting! I rarely see ornate scales like these. Heck, I hardly ever see straight razors. I seem to find plenty of weird Avon aftershave decanters though.

 

[luvmysuper]

Interesting! I rarely see ornate scales like these. Heck, I hardly ever see straight razors. I seem to find plenty of weird Avon aftershave decanters though.

Really, it's a shame - because most of the blades I see inside the ornate scales aren't much to look at.
It has been the case with me, that the best razors I have picked up so far have had very plain or even ugly looking scales, and unfortunately, the folks who sell these in antique shops seem to think the scales are more important than the blade.

Those are very nice scales you have there, congrats on finding a set in such good condition!

Ok - one other pet peeve;
People who sell straight razors in antique shop glass cases, should have the blade fully exposed so I don't have to have someone come over and unlock the case to find a half inch chip out of the middle of the blade.

 

[orchestrion]

Really, it's a shame - because most of the blades I see inside the ornate scales aren't much to look at.
It has been the case with me, that the best razors I have picked up so far have had very plain or even ugly looking scales, and unfortunately, the folks who sell these in antique shops seem to think the scales are more important than the blade.

I can attest to that. One place I went had a no-name straight razor for sale with semi-ornate scales. The tag said "Straight razor with fancy handles. $25.00"