I Bid on this razor, and won it, on Ebay. It said it was a George Wostenholm IXL Razor. When I received it, it didn't have the Geo Wostenholm markings I know. The markings that are on the Tang say: "Universally Approved" with some faded lettering below it. Its a 13/16th blade. Any Idea, ??
It looks like a WR under the crown on the left and Sheffield on the right. The WR would place it as being made during William the IV's rule (1830-1837). It might be a W&B. I'm sure somebody that knows more than me will chime in. Can you get a better pic of the lettering? Nice find!
The tang and tail shape is classic W&B from that time period. Really do need a close up of the lettering, though. Wade & Butcher were not the only ones to use that style, but that style is one of the hallmarks of an old W&B.
I don't normally name my razors, but if that's your thing you could file down a few more letters and call her SALLY.
I do know that at least some Wade & Butcher razors from the early 19th century were stamped with "Universally Approved." I can't make out the WR for sure, but I think Mr. Chick probably nailed it.
I do believe you are right. That would make the print underneath "Fine India Steel," and date the razor to the early 1830's.
I think you are right. It looks like a W R under a possible crown. Also, "Fine India Steel" would match the few letters that can still be seen. So, Wade & Butcher? I ended up paying $13 shipped, after all was said and done. I don't feel so bad now. Thanks guys.
Very nice acquisition. That will clean up really well, I'll bet. Looks like a bit of chipping on the edge at the heel, but that should be easily taken care of. Congrats!
I think most people would rather have an 1830's Wade and Butcher than a George Wostenholm 1XL. If you are not one of them, I wouldn't be surprised if you could trade that razor for a GW 1XL easily.
The chipping came out easily. They were very very shallow. I lightly buffed it, and put a Keen edge on it.
The size and grind. Also steel from Sheffield during this time was of particularly high quality. It was refined from Swedish or Swiss ore. I can't remember which offhand. Near 1" wide blade, combined with a near wedge grind, means there is about double the metal in this razor than other razors. Also it is a distinctive shape, W&B's "calling card," in a manner of speaking. That being said, W&B is over hyped and is no better than thousands of other razors from Sheffield during this time. The unique profile and shape is what sets W&B apart from those other razors. Edit: ten years ago, this would mearly be another old razor purchased at a decent price. Forums have influenced razor pricing and popularity hugely.
