Got the heirloom

[Munxcub]

Finally got my great grandfather's straight from my aunt. It is a Joseph Elliot "Sovereign" straight. I haven't measured it or taken pictures, I'll do that tomorrow. Just really excited and wanted to tell you all. There are some wee chips in the edge, but over all it is in great shape. It is from Sheffield, England, not sure how old that makes it seeings how it states England, so 100-65 years old? I'll post some pics tomorrow...

 

[Luc]

I can't comment until I see some pictures!

Nice score!

 

[Munxcub]

Forgot camera at my mom's yesterday so cell phone pics will have to do. (actually kind of impressed with how well it did)

That third picture really makes the edge look terrible, but it really isn't. Hardly any hone wear on the spine, and it's nice and even. Tried getting a shot of the grind but couldn't get it to focus right. It's 5/8, but feels hefty. Can't wait to tidy it up a little and hone it up.

Any insight into it's age based on the icons to the left of the name?

 

[Munxcub]

I'm going to have to take another look at this. I remember it saying "and sons" but don't see mention of that in my post here. From what I've found:

ELLIOT, JOSEPH
Sheffield
Trademark: C reversed and C, with cross between
1821-1854 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374)

However this razor states Sheffield, England, which I found for Joseph Allen blades means it's after 1891. Was this true for all Sheffield blade or just his?

I might need to look into some books to find out more... you'd think there'd be a decent list somewhere.

I'm also fairly certain these are faux ivory scales, unless the real stuff can feel pretty much like plastic with it's weight and smoothness. I haven't tried the hot pin ***** or anything yet, but will when I start cleaning it up.

 

[Chimensch]

I'm going to have to take another look at this. I remember it saying "and sons" but don't see mention of that in my post here. From what I've found:

ELLIOT, JOSEPH
Sheffield
Trademark: C reversed and C, with cross between
1821-1854 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374)

However this razor states Sheffield, England, which I found for Joseph Allen blades means it's after 1891. Was this true for all Sheffield blade or just his?

I might need to look into some books to find out more... you'd think there'd be a decent list somewhere.

I'm also fairly certain these are faux ivory scales, unless the real stuff can feel pretty much like plastic with it's weight and smoothness. I haven't tried the hot pin ***** or anything yet, but will when I start cleaning it up.

Beautiful razor. Ivory is hard to tell from plastic but those scales look like real ivory to me, especially the color and the grain.

 

[Munxcub]

Beautiful razor. Ivory is hard to tell from plastic but those scales look like real ivory to me, especially the color and the grain.

Why thank you, and that is really exciting at the prospect that it's real ivory, because the scales are in great shape. That one pic bugs me... makes the edge look like garbage, when aside form the wee chips there's really nothing wrong with the blade.

 

[nipper]

The country of origin had to be on the item after certain year. I thought it was 1894 but not positive. Prior to that they were marked: Sheffield, Soligen, etc.

 

[johnmrson]

The scales look too thick to be ivory. The ivory scaled straights I've got are all really quite thin.

 

[Munxcub]

I'll give them the hot pin test tonight. My first thought was that they were plastic of some kind. Would that be French Ivory?

 

[mdunn]

looks like it'l clean up a treat.

the scales look to 'shiny' for ivory (not that ivory cant be shiny, but just on an old not in great condition razor). Plus the thickness and beveled edges etc. My guess is faux/french ivory.

 

[Munxcub]

Hot pin test confirms that it is in fact, 100%, real deal, French ivory.

I also looked closer at the edge and there is a little rust/pitting there, but by the time I take the chips out I don't think it'll be a problem.

 

[Shangas]

If I'm right, 'French Ivory' was another name for celluloid, wasn't it? Imitation celluloid-ivory?

 

[Munxcub]

If I'm right, 'French Ivory' was another name for celluloid, wasn't it? Imitation celluloid-ivory?

That's my understanding as well.