I was taught handwriting in Parker script in AL in 1981. Hang on to that razor forever. The CSA surrender in 1865 was the defining moment in what type of country we were to become. The Battle of Selma was quite important in moving a nasty war to an end.
You might be able to get a more precise "picture" of the inscription by doing a rubbing, similar to headstone rubbings.
WHY AM I JUST NOW SEEING THIS THREAD?!? FANTASTIC find Kevin! No reason to suspect the inscriptions as anything but legit. The seller wasn't trying to peddle the razor as a Civil War artifact, so I don't think he'd have any reason to fake it. That's one I don't think I'd do anything with, except display it. Jackpot find!
Very much agree with your decision not to restore this razor which is quite the artifact. But they say that when you shave with a vintage razor, you're shaving with a piece of history. If this bugger can get an edge, in this instance, it would be like shaving with a time machine..
Wow! Reading this gave me chills. I'm a big history buff, especially American history. Congratulations Kevin! Great piece of history in have.
Thanks, Kerry! I'm another one of those American history enthusiasts! After reading some of these responses from folks who missed this posting from last March, I'm of a mind to start digging up more 'oldies' from the thread graveyard!
I'm late to this party, but Wow! I would be tempted to restore the blade part and use it (imagine feeling the history with every stroke!). But, the handle would surely deteriorate quicker, so maybe it's better to put it in a display case. Now there's a dilemma!
But the OP already has about 10 other razors by this manufacturer... Edit: It's not shown in this thread, but @HolyRollah did end up putting this razor in a display case. Maybe he'll post a picture of it here.
