Vintage 3/4 Primus

[rprocter]

I bought this razor because i think the handles are ivory. I'd like to use this to begin my education about straight razors. The blade is 3/4" from spine to edge, hence i think it is correct to use it in my title description ?

The other side of the tang is marked: Issac Ellis & Sons/PRIMUS/Sheffield

The blade is full length.

I would like to know what i have here; i.e. the proper description for this razor
Age is likely pre 1891, but how old might it be ?
Do you agree: ivory ?
Was "Ellis" a higher end brand ? manufacturer or retailer ?
Was "Primus" their top line ?
Is this just an average old razor or does it have much collectibility ?
As you can see, at this point i know nothing about straight razors. I am beginning here & now.
thanks for the help, roland

 

[Chris Meyer]

Ellis and Primus are not in the Standard Guide to Razors. I have a blade marked PRIMUS on one side, and C. Fredric. Ern -Germany on the other side. That's not in the guide either.

I think there is little doubt that the scales are celluloid/plastic. I have several with the same scale design, but from different makers. You can test by heating a pin and touching it to a discreet spot. Plastic will melt where the pin touches it.

Your razor has heavy wear on the toe but not on the spine. Someone either butchered a honing or perhaps was trying to remove a chip. Since decent old razors can still be had for relatively little cost (except for certain highly desirable brands/styles), in my opinion, yours is not worth the effort of trying to get it shave ready. However, if it has sentimental value, go for it.

I don't claim to be any expert, but judging from the razors I've purchased myself, I don't believe yours in particularly valuable. I am, however, rather fond of that particular scale pattern. Here's one that I own with the same pattern, but a bit of a different color.

Here's one with ivory scales. They do seem to be quite prone to cracking.

You might wish to visit the Straight Razor Place Forums and the Badger and Blade Forums. There's lots of great info at both places.

Good luck!

 

[David Martin]

I don't think country of orgin laws were the same in countries outside America so your razor could be close to the date you post. The handle looks to be celluloid. Even though your razor has a smiley on the blade (toe and heel over grind) this can easily be worked to gain a good shaving edge throughout the blade. Sheffield razors carry a reputation of being good shavers and yours looks like it could be this as well. As far as value most of these go in the 20-30$ range but I'm no expert in this area. Go to BadgerandBlade and search as much is written on your razor and holds some real experts there. Thanks for posting these nice photos for us to view. DM