So let me start by saying I am new to straight razors. I have always been interested in trying one to shave with for sometime, but was a-little apprehensive. So I took the plunge and bought a dovo best quality. I must say it took a bit to get used to, but I took my time with it and love it. Something about the doing something more old school I guess. So now I have wanted to get into a more antique blade and found a George Wostenholm and son at a small antique shop. It was $20 and looks to be in good shape. However I’m having a hard time finding Info on it, the brand I can, but not this model. So is this a good model and worth putting time into or did i waste my money? It looks to be etched in Masonic images on the blade.
Welcome to TSD. $20.00 for that blade is a great deal. Send it to @gssixgun aka Glen and pay him a few bucks to make it shave ready. You can't go wrong with a Wosty and you can't go wrong with Glen.
Welcome to TSD! From the pictures and the condition, I would say money well spent. Those near wedge Sheffield blades are different than your dovo, but a great change of pace. Can’t say I know of a “model” per say, but you are probably looking mid to later 1800’s. Can we get a photo of the tang with the stamp? Tom
@Ttallent13 ,The Masonic Wosty you have is a desired collectable. Also, it looks to be in pretty good shape. But, it is a wedge ground blade, and will feel different than the Full Hollow ground Dovo you are using. Have a professional Hone it for you, so you know it is done right. Don't be surprised if you arent thrilled with the feel of a wedge blade. It's kind of a love them or hate them thing.
I will try to get a picture of the tang with the stamp. Kind of cool to find out I got a good deal and can potentially shave with something that old.
$20 for a Masonic Geo Wostenholm, in very good condition?? Yes, it was a good deal. It would be a good deal, even if the scales were trashed. ..
Really nice razors For future reference and for others reading We can't see the tail of the razor which is a major clue to date of Manufacture
Washington Works is a great indicator of the age. That plant was opened in 1848. It was the largest cutlery plant of its time. You can read a nice writeup about Wostenholm's history here: https://www.sheffieldcollectableknives.com/about/george-wostenholm, although the article focuses more on knives than razors. My later 19th century Wosties don't say Washington Works, so I would guess that yours falls somewhere between 1848 and about 1880. Incidentally, there is a similar Masonic Wostie for sale on eBay right now asking for $375. Asking isn't getting, but it does give some window into the perceived value of Wosties. Great find! Sent from my LGUS992 using Tapatalk
