Do I have Ivory scales?

[Trenton]

I picked up 5 razors today, I thought at first I had bone scales, but now I thinking they might be Ivory. The scales are a maximum of 1/16" thick. I'm sorry for the poor pictures. If any of you can tell me more about the razor including approximate age I would appreciate that information as well. I have another razor a King Cutter in strange to me scales I will post that one later.

 

[Seraphim]

I vote ivory.

 

[Doc226]

Looks like ivory.

 

[Trenton]

What took you so long?
If they are Ivory they will be my first

 

[Kentos]

I have no idea, but I thought the grain in ivory runs the other way as opposed to lengthwise. Scott will be by soon to give us an educated guess.

Seraphim uses guesses right tho'.

 

[wherndon]

+1 to Kent, I too thought the grain was different from bone.

 

[GreekGuy]

The pattern and pins along with the period of the razor are consistent with Ivory.

Scott will be able to give you the definitive answer though

 

[daflorc]

Those are definitely ivory. If they were bone, you would see tiny pores with old dirt in them that look like tiny black dots. Also, they almost never used washers on the pins with ivory. Also, the grain pattern and coloring is right - ivory yellows with age. You can see by this picture - all razors are in original scales. All are ivory - but one. Can you tell which one?

 

[Legion]

The grain on ivory can run either way, or even look like a cross hatch pattern.

Those are ivory.

 

[professorchaos]

Oh, yes. That's ivory.

 

[Isaac]

 

[Vickers]

I'm 99.44% sure that's ivory.

 

[mdunn]

yep

 

[Brianskeet]

Beautiful Ivory

 

[Trenton]

Well Thank You Gentlemen! Ivory it is. I must say I'm reluctant to unpin the scales to clean up the blade. This is my first Ivory scaled straight.

Can any of you give and approximate age?

 

[Legion]

I would estimate 1880's. Don't unpin it. Ivory scales often don't survive a transplant.

 

[Trenton]

Thanks Legion, I will see what kind of clean up I can do with the scales on. I wonder if polishing compound on dental floss might be and idea?

 

[Legion]

Thanks Legion, I will see what kind of clean up I can do with the scales on. I wonder if polishing compound on dental floss might be and idea?

Yep, that is one way to get it done. Don't try to get off all the dark patina near the pivot like that, you will drive yourself crazy. Just knock off the active rust, and the worst of the black stuff. Then hone her up and get shaving.

 

[Thomas Martin]

Those are definitely ivory. If they were bone, you would see tiny pores with old dirt in them that look like tiny black dots. Also, they almost never used washers on the pins with ivory. Also, the grain pattern and coloring is right - ivory yellows with age. You can see by this picture - all razors are in original scales. All are ivory - but one. Can you tell which one?

View attachment 311015

I have a Le Grelot in ivory which has washers. It's a new razor fabricated by TI using old blanks.

 

[daflorc]

that is one fine looking TI! I've always wanted to know how they get their pins to look like that - I like it