Need some advice from straight razor collectors.

[rancurt2]

I recently found this razor in a local antique shop for fairly cheap so I picked it up. I've not gotten into shaving with straight razors yet so I'm probably going to end up selling it. I've found one or two others that have sold in the last few years like this one but I'm wondering what your opinions are as far as whether or not I should polish this up prior to selling it or just sell it with the patina as is. I know everyone is drawn to shiny things but I'm not sure if in this case it will negatively affect the value. I appreciate any help you guys can provide.

 

[dakotaev]

To be honest, I would leave this one as is. There really isn't much to improve on it.

Nice find. Do you have any pictures that better show the makers mark?

 

[Jporco]

Keep the patina, and let the future owner decide. As a collector I prefer the "preserve" approach rather than the "make it look new" approach.

 

[rancurt2]

I don't know how well you can read this. The makers mark is a F&B inside a flag. It's on the scale with sterling beneath it and at the bottom of the monogram area it has 379. The F&B flag mark and Germany is also on the blade.

 

[Legion]

Foster & Bailey I believe

 

[rancurt2]

Yeah I was able to track down the makers mark and verify that much. Don't really know much else about it other than that. Kind of wish it was more common so I could figure out a value to it. So far I haven't found anyone that knows much about these. Best I have been able to figure out is that it was made some time between 1878-1951.

 

[joshua1970]

if it were me, I'd leave that as is - beautiful find btw!

errr, how much ya want for it anyhow <ducking>

 

[life2short1971]

Do not polish it. You will destroy its value.

 

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

The design on the scales just screams Art Nouveau which I believe dates it right around 1900 - 1920. Never seen one, nice find.

 

[Legion]

I've seen several pop up in the past. They also had Stirling brushes and strops to match. I've never honed or used one, but they look nice.

 

[Bendragon]

That's awesomesauce !

 

[Bob D]

I just recently acquired a PUNJO Solingen straight razor. It's one of a seven day set, marked Saturday on the spine.I was told it was early 1900's. I can't seem to find any information on the PUNJO company. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[appa69]

Makers of razors, pocket knives and accessories

Last amended: 12th January 2015

The list has been based on did Follows material Extracted from the Deutsches Reich Address Book (several editions, 1900 to 1942); from Solingen and Its Industrial District (published in 1922); razor Code(1932); Cutlery & Flatware Made in Germany (1983); and the address of Solingen for several years between 1892 and 1989

Paul Stommel, solingen in 1922 and 1932, Oststrasse 4-6 in 1939. Brand name: "PUNJO". Open-blade razor maker.

P. S. Don't thread-jack.

 

[jrp316]

Do not polish it. You will destroy its value.

+1. Leave it as is, it's already a nice razor.

 

[Cachorro]

Leave that beautiful razor as it is!!!

It is astonishing, very good find, in the correct market, it should bring you a pretty penny if only for the scales. Congrats on the score