John Barber

PLEASE NOTE -

This razor is offered for sale purely as a collector’s piece and we do not suggest or imply that it can be used for its original purpose of shaving. This is usually due to the fact that both blade and scales may well be fragile due to the age of the piece or that there may be damage to the blade in the form of nibbles or nicks. Individual pieces may have comments that contradict this statement, but these comments should only be applied to the piece in question, not as a general statement,thanks.

Having said that, most of the razors offered for sale within this collector’s section should, with care and skill, be suitable for restoration into a usable piece. They are offered here cleaned, disinfected and in some instances polished, though not honed.

If any of these razors contain animal products such as ivory, please ensure it is legal for you to acquire the piece prior to purchase, thanks.If you have any questions about this piece please email us, thanks.

Shave-ready razors for sale can be seen by clicking here.

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Dovo Straight Razors

www.dovorazors.com

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Dovo razors strops and accessories - get your Dovo razor here!

Dovo Straight Razors

www.dovorazors.com

£49.60

This straight razor is by John Barber, England. Precise year is unknown but Barber worked between 1810-1834 so it's certainly within that range. Blade: about 9/16 squared end, full wedge blade though a little thicker at the spine. No shoulder evident, the blade just runs more or less straight into the tang. Evident hone wear. It is undecorated to either side. The edge measures just over 3" from point to heel and has no nicks or cracks- it is in fact in surprisingly good condition with just a couple of easily-removed fleabites towards the tip.

Tang: No jimps (serrations), both top and bottom of tang is smooth. Marked to one side with the words 'John Barber' and also a Masonic square and compass-type emblem, though I have no idea if Barber had any Masonic connections. Very stubby ‘monkey tail’.

Scales: Probably not original but then again might be! The handle (can't really call it ‘the scales’) is a single piece of wood fashioned to fit the blade. The bottom pin is redundant - as the wood is one-piece it isn't needed and is presumably there for aesthetic reasons only. This would suggest that this was a valued piece to its owner of the time. The pins are the large, bulls-eye type and this 're-scaling' (if it is that) has been extremely well done.

A great talking-piece, this razor has the added advantage of being in very sound condition for a bicentenerian and could, I think., be fairly quickly put back into service as a usable razor