A good friend of mine gave me this razor and leather case today for Christmas. A quick search revealed that Marshall Wells was a hardware company from 1893-1922 with headquarters in Duluth. The razor says made in Germany so I'm guessing it is solingen steel. I'm wondering if anyone has any additional information. Also would it be worth while to have it cleaned up and honed for use? Thanks in advance.
I don't have much to add, but for 100 years old, looks to be in pretty good condition. Have it honed up and let us know how she shaves I like the two toned scales...
From what I understand, a lot of small companies sold these and many other types of razors in their stores. Kind of promotional, or generic razors, stamped with their names and logos. They placed an order with a salesman, and the razors were stamped with their stores name, at the factory, then shipped out to them or the salesman delivered it, when they arrived. Some famous razor companies did this, in England and in France. That is why you can get some excellent razors, that perform as well as the top name blades out there. Because, they were produced in the same factories, by the same blade mesters, with the same steel.
There is a Few Kicking Around for Sale..Some German SRs were Swedish Steel & Sheffield Steel..Other than that it Looks in Great Shape & it will Hone Up Typically Well as German SRs Do.. Billy..
Thanks for the info. Its in great shape, a few scratches and small chip on the scales and some slight discoloration on the blade. The leather case is still soft and pliable and I just noticed that it is also marked Germany. Yep, I'll have to get this honed and give it a go.
Some of the Best German SRs Were Made in the Pre War Period..I Have a Number of Them..That One You have there has the Hallmarks of a German Pre War Full Hollow Grind SR.. Billy..
