Handle decoration a key to razor value

Antiques

There are still a few diehards out there who insist that the straight razor is the only way to get a close shave. Like many boys who watched their father manipulate one of these deadly instruments, I was filled with admiration but never quite got interested in using one. For myself and thousands of collectors, the next best thing was to collect and preserve the straight razor.

During the late 18th and early 19th century, those who could not afford the fine straight razors made in England and Germany managed to forge their own primitive versions with wooden handles and crude blades. These early hand-made razors with wooden handles are now rare but not terribly valuable, because they were not fine instruments. They are primarily seen as good examples of early American make-do technology. In the case of the few early hand-made razors which have finely made blades and decorated handles, they are not only rare but also expensive.

For the prosperous American of the early 19th century, the best razors came from Europe with fine blades made in Sheffield, England or Solingen, Germany. The blade is considered of primary importance to collectors, with condition being secondary only to the quality of the manufacturer.

The imported razors of this period had handles of brass, silver, bone, ivory and tortoise shell. The most sought-after of these are the silver and tortoise shell, but there are exceptions. Any handle which bears decoration or carving is always considered to be more desirable. In the case of a special presentation razor with a name and date engraved in silver or ivory, there is great value attached.

As American technology began to advance with the approach of the Civil War, more and more razors were manufactured in this country. Those who believed that the best shave could only be achieved with an English or German blade continued to buy European razors. Certainly the number of imports exceeded domestic manufacture for a time, lasting into the late 19th century. Even after the razor industry became a significant player in America, many makers continued to use imported blades.

With the onset of the mass-produced razor in America came the proliferation of styles and materials which characterizes the collection of straight razors. The well-heeled and some barbers ordered custom razors with specially decorated handles. Of special note to collectors are the so-called figural handles which were made in various shapes such as fishes, eagles, automobiles, barber poles and baseball bats. Some of these figurals were specially made for customers on order by their barber as occupational razors. These are now choice collectors items.

The vast majority of razors made and used from the Civil War until they went out of favor with the invention of the safety razor were inexpensive and severly plain. Some would think that such an instrument would be seen as disposable, but they were cherished and preserved as fine tools rarely discarded even when worn beyond usefulness. The typical razor of this type with its plain celluloid, bone or buffalo horn handles is of minor interest to collectors and will command only a few dollars.

For the dedicated collector, the razor to look for is that which has a fine marked blade and handles which have been embellished in some way. The plain celluloid handle was stamped and engraved with designs ranging from nudes to animals, automobiles, airplanes, cowboys and birds. Of special interest are those which were made to commemorate a special event or person, such as a political campaign or famous personage.

In the same vein, those made as advertisements are now very popular and among the most expensive if they are well-decorated. Razors of this type are still to be found in the $20 range, but those with an unusual or fine handle shape or decorations such as those with a transportation theme can bring as much as $100.

In American razors, a very popular material for the handles was buffalo horn. Most often seen in black, this was also to be found in beige and gray. In many cases it was decorated to imitate the more-desirable stag horn or bone.

Again, the value of the razor is really determined by the quality of the blade, overall condition and handle decoration. Material of the handle is a factor, but is usually overruled by decoration and condition.

Unusual handle material in American-made razors is of special interest to collectors. Materials such as mother-of-pearl, ivory, silver and real tortoise shell are considered choice by collectors because they were relatively common in expensive European imports, but rare in American razors.

Any of these materials if embellished with fine engraved or cast decoration can make for a truly valuable razor. Special attention is always paid to the razors in these materials with handles shaped or decorated in any of the art nouveau themes so popular at the end of the last century.

Robert Croul, the NEWS antiques columnist, lives in Newburgh.