I have a presentation on material history next week in a graduate history course. The presentation is to show an object to the class (or a picture of an object) and describe what it can tell us about history.
I think the Kampfe-Star lather catcher will be excellent for this purpose.It was first patented in 1880 during the height of the Industrial Revolution in America. It shows a necessity for a quicker, easier shave at a time when men needed to rush off to the factory to work long shifts. Its artistic design is representative of its creation at a time when artisans weren't yet completely replaced by mass produced interchangeable parts.
How's it sound? Maybe I can bring in a Super Speed to show how safety razors evolved by the 1950's. I'd consider bringing in a straight too just to show what men used before the invention of safety razors, but that might not go over so well with the public safety department.
At the very least, I finally have an excuse for collecting this stuff.
Here's a picture, for anyone curious.
I think the Kampfe-Star lather catcher will be excellent for this purpose.It was first patented in 1880 during the height of the Industrial Revolution in America. It shows a necessity for a quicker, easier shave at a time when men needed to rush off to the factory to work long shifts. Its artistic design is representative of its creation at a time when artisans weren't yet completely replaced by mass produced interchangeable parts.
How's it sound? Maybe I can bring in a Super Speed to show how safety razors evolved by the 1950's. I'd consider bringing in a straight too just to show what men used before the invention of safety razors, but that might not go over so well with the public safety department.
At the very least, I finally have an excuse for collecting this stuff.
Here's a picture, for anyone curious.
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