Kampfe Star Set - Help with date

[Hoos]

On a little antiquing trip this weekend, I came across this Kampfe Star set:

The razor head is one of the HR-14 models (per Waits' Compendium) on a wooden handle (rosewood?). The HR-14s are from 1902, according to Waits. (Wooden handle on the stropping machine too. The strop is in good shape and is marked "Kampfe Bros. Improved Canvas Swing Strop".)

But the trademark on the case was, reportedly, first used in 1906 for cases. While the interior doesn't have the satin lining that seems to be sandard, it is marked "Star Safety Razor" in gold.

So I'm not sure if there's a mismatch with the razor and case, or if there's something else at play. It seems to be the complete set - not a different razor with a different stropper, etc.

Any thoughts or ideas on the date of this? Thanks.

 

[D.Irving79]

ive seen that handle in ads from 1911, but i cant say for certain thats the year.

 

[tom myers]

Kampfe made many varients of similar heads. Close up pictures of the front and back of the razor's head might be helpful in trying to pin it down.

Regards,
Tom

 

[Hoos]

I'll try and post pictures tomorrow. But my comparison of it against Waits' Compendium definitely identifies the head as one of the 1902 models (y-shaped teeth, rear hinge, spring clip, cutout STAR on the guard, wording/design on the back).

If it was a set made after 1902 (as the trademark on the case would indicate), I suppose the owner could have taken off the original head and replaced it with a 1902.

Or, more likely, the 1902 head was used for a number of years afterward. Especially since Waits doesn't describe any of the Kampfe razor heads made after the 1902 designs.

 

[D.Irving79]

figured it out. it is a 1902. they made 3 other sets similar to this one, all with varying numbers of blades ranging from 3-7. one of the other sets had 2 closures on the front instead of one and had the trademark logo on the inside lid of the case. they also came with a white handle.

 

[spinyeel]

Wow!!!Very nice.The strop looks in great condition.

 

[Hoos]

Thanks, David!

Your dating makes sense. Waits says that Kampfe switched from using holes in the stropper to using diagonals in 1904 (just saw that bit).

Was just thrown by the trademark on the case below the latch. It could have been used earlier than 1908.

The set is in very good condition, as is the box - the morrocan leather version. These really are beautiful razors - I really should try honing/stropping one of the wedges and giving it a whirl.

 

[D.Irving79]

that is a nice set i must say