Discovered in a backyard shed...

[paleomanone]

I believe these belonged to a vet who commited suicide when he returned from Vietnam in the late 60's. They were found in a backyard shed by a friend who gave them to me.
Most of the razors are rusted or broken and likely beyond any hope of recovery. Some of the scales were eaten by rats. They were outside for 40 years but some of them were covered by a stack of newspapers and are fine once cleaned up. There are also old packages of razor blades and shaving kits. If anyone recognizes these or has information as to the age and history. I will be posting more pictures of the other items in the near future.

 

[chemistguy]

wow, awesome find!!!!!! I bet most of those can be restored to working condition!

 

[David Martin]

Several looked damaged and rodent urine is very damaging to non-stainless steel. Yet, a great gift and many can be fixed should you accept the mission. Or sell some off on sights like this. DM

 

[winnerdog]

looks to be a great batch of razors, congrats!
seems like there are many different kinds of razors from the pictures, from what I can see I would say almost all of them can be fully restored except 3 or 4 (of course it will require a lot of professional work, would not advice you to try it by yourself if you are clueless about restoring razors).
if you don't want them for usage (and I don't think they don't look like anything a collector would be interested in) I would recommend you to sell them as is.

 

[fast14riot]

Chipped, cracked, broken edges = no good. Scales can be replaced easily. Deep pitting rust on the edge, no good. Excessive wear from sharpening can be fixed, but depends on where its worn.

I see a couple that could be quick and easy to restore to get usable for shaving. I have seen all kinds of things made from broken razor blades like key chain bottle openers and box knives.

If you attempt to restore yourself, be careful with the celluloid handled ones. If they smell like camphor when you sand them lightly, then its celluloid. If you get it hot enough from using power tools like buffing wheels on a dremel, they can and will ignite into a toxic flare!

A little elbow grease and some time is all they need. First thing should be to stop further rusting, soak in mineral oil.


-Xander

 

[paleomanone]

Hey folks, Thanks for the info! So the scales that appear to be plastic are Celluloid? The same material old film was made from as well as the precursor to Nitrocellulose after a little careful treatment with nitric acid.....lol!! Some of the scales have metal inlay and are heavily warped.
Is there any way to straighten these out with steam or other treatment in order to save and preserve?

 

[fast14riot]

Yes, scales can be straightened, but not on the razor. Usually I take the scale and clamp it to a board and submerge it in boiling water and then clamp it down harder. Pinning isn't difficult, but it isn't fool proof either.

-Xander

 

[paleomanone]

Razor blades, service set, pistol holster......Anyone have any ideas as to how old these razor blades are? I've never seen anything like these. These were in a waxed box so they are in remarkable shape. More pics to follow of the other items.

More pics to follow of the other items.

 

[Gollnick]

Wow. That is a great find. There are people who collect the older blades. I don't think we have any here (though I will probably be corrected shortly). But if you go to one of the more shaving-specific forum sites, you can find them and probably get more in formation (and maybe even a few offers).

 

[unit]

I don't think we have any here...

Looks like the OP now has a nice collection

I know practically zip about what you have there, but it all seems very cool/interesting to me. I would put all those blades in a flat small-knife display case and hand it in my bathroom if I were you. That is a neat and healthy collection

 

[winnerdog]

looks very interesting, I would hold on to those for a few years then check their value.
I would be glad to inform you about more shaving specific forums in which you can probably get a better answer about those blades, contact privately if you want.

 

[hank_rearden]

this thread makes me sad. the find points to a life of comfort and stability. why'd he choose to end it?

 

[paleomanone]

I agree. His sister also related in addition to being Bipolar that he was addicted to heroin when he returned and that may have played a role. Kurt Kobain was hooked on heroin when he decided to end his life. Sadly we can only wonder why some people choose this option instead of seeking help.