Just picked this razor up at an antique swap meet. Set me back $7.50...I didn't bother to dicker. I haven't seen much info on the W&B "Celebrated Congress" but it seems like a good candidate for some degree of restoration. The scales had contracted enough over the years I did have to make a new lead wedge. I used some bulls-eye washers as I didn't have any replacements for the thin grommet type washers it was equipped with originally, and didn't want to damage the originals during the re-assembly process as they are pretty delicate. I did of course keep all of the original materials, and I'm sure someone with more skills than I could re-incorporate the original wedge/pins/washers. So, what says the Peanut Gallery? Is this worth shelling out more money for a legit top end restoration, or should I call it a day, hone it up, and get to shavin' with it?
I would hone it and use it. If it turns out that your really love it, then send it for a spa treatment.
I know what I'd do with it. Nice deal—and glad to hear you didn't lowball the seller & offer $3.50…. I like Dale's advice of taking it for a hone & a spin and see if its something to add to your stable. If not, rest assured you'll find a buyer. Heck, I'd even pay you double what you paid!
Mike, in all seriousness, that is ONE real nice score! I don't think I'd attempt it myself but I'd certainly send it to a pro to 'spruce up.' Plenty of real potential in that razor…. And yeah, that'd possibly fly in the $300-400 range on ebay if you wished to part with it
It is kind of an "odd duck", I've seen the scales in a photo before, but not on a blade that was engraved "Congress". I always do my own restorations since I'm too much of a cheapskate to pay for them (leaves me more capital for more razors!), but I have a nagging suspicion this one may be worth the indulgence. Now to find a Resto-meister who's got time to do it...
I've called in the cavalry and enlisted the services of gssixgun to take care of this baby. I'll post pix when it's back in my grubby mitts. I suspect it will be a thing of beauty when he's done with it.
I think sending it to Glen was definitely the right thing to do. I'm quite certain that what you will get back will be a treasure, and I would definitely shave with it! Also, I think that this razor qualifies as an important item with very serious "pass along" potential. What I mean is, I would want this 100+ year old beauty to be passed to someone who will appreciate the fact that you enjoyed owning and using it. Hopefully you've a likely candidate in your family. I hope you will post pictures of your fancy shaver after it makes it's way back to you.
Sadly, the traced family line ends with me...the last of a long line of single male heirs, and I've only managed to produce one daughter. However, My dearest friend in the world happened to name his son after me, and he stands to inherit any treasures I will leave behind in this life. He'll make out pretty good considering all he had to do was to bear my name his entire life (poor bastard...)
