I just got my first straight razor. Asking for a little help dating it. It is from the Shapleigh Hardware Co. The blade has no markings on it. On one side of shank says "SHAPLEIGH HWD CO. ST. LOUIS , USA GERMANY". Other side of shank says " DIAMOND EDGE DE9". It has black plastic scales. I've been trying to find some info on this razor. Not having too much luck. I did find a pdf on the company but no info on dating razor. any info or a point in right direction would be greatly appreciated.
These types of razor are often refered to as the "Hardware Store" razors, there are quite a few out there the Shapliegh, Simmons, & Morris are some of the best known ones... Think of ACE branding now-a-days like 3M makes ACE filter masks but they are marked ACE... Same thing back then with the razors, it has always been my understanding that most of these were made by ERN and Khoeller (sp)
" The huge 1922 catalog lists ..... DE or Diamond Edge straight razors at $54 per dozen" from Krumholz " A History of Shaving and Razors" under Shapleigh Hardware Co. " black plastic scales" celluloid handles-year 1880 to 1940 molded celluloid handles -year 1885 to 1940 and beyond Bakelite handles - year 1905 to 1935 From Standard Guide to Razors, Ritchie , Stewart pg. 73, Razor Dating at a glance. " Dating razors is approximate at best". Ritchie , Stewart. I know nothing about dating straights just fished this info out of my shaving books.
