Hi, not sure if anyone here can help me or not. I have recently come across a straight razor by WR Case and Sons Bradford PA. The box it came in says Cattaraugus cutlery Little Valley NY. Not sure if this is a mismatched set, or if the two companies were related. Can anyone help me date and value this? Thanking you in advance. Picture links below.
http://www.coingalaxy.com/~aces88/razor.jpg
http://www.coingalaxy.com/~aces88/cutlery.jpg
http://www.coingalaxy.com/~aces88/case.jpg
WR Case and Sons Straight Razor
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PA Knives
- Posts: 1928
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Hi and Welcome,
Two companies have plenty in common but there isn't enough space hear for me to explain that. This is a mismatch but depending on the stamp of the Razor it could have easily been made for CASE by CAT.I realized that you have a photo of the stamp, Silly me. CASE made some of their own and also contracted out. CAT did make some for them. The details of the stamping process is another book in itself. Others will be able to help better too. You have a nice piece and a quick check of ebay will tell you the real value in today's market. Of course condition plays a big role in value. If your looking to sell, you might consider doing them separate as it may bring a better $. Just my thoughts and who am I to say? Looking forward to seeing the stamp
Two companies have plenty in common but there isn't enough space hear for me to explain that. This is a mismatch but depending on the stamp of the Razor it could have easily been made for CASE by CAT.I realized that you have a photo of the stamp, Silly me. CASE made some of their own and also contracted out. CAT did make some for them. The details of the stamping process is another book in itself. Others will be able to help better too. You have a nice piece and a quick check of ebay will tell you the real value in today's market. Of course condition plays a big role in value. If your looking to sell, you might consider doing them separate as it may bring a better $. Just my thoughts and who am I to say? Looking forward to seeing the stamp
Contributions to Knife Magazine ,
Author of "Great Eastern Cutlery: An American Tradition, The History of the Northfield & Tidioute Brands" & "Tidioute: A Town With an Edge" “The Chronicles of Cooper Cutlery”
Author of "Great Eastern Cutlery: An American Tradition, The History of the Northfield & Tidioute Brands" & "Tidioute: A Town With an Edge" “The Chronicles of Cooper Cutlery”
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PA Knives
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knifeaholic
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Kiferbros
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time to put my foot into it
First lets get the box out of the way, it is Cattaraugus and it does not go to this knife.
Ok the important part…the razor. This is a hard one to read and I could be very far off but here is my read of this razor. If you disagree and can verify your opinion please let me know, I do not know it all and do not claim to.
The blade, W R Case and Sons and part of Bradford is clearly visible so, according to my knowledge, experience and documentation says it is from the 1905 to 1920 era. And is a round point blade with shoulder.
The handle material is imitation horn which very desirable on older Case Brothers razors,
But, the handles are shaped much more like the 1920 to 1955 style than the 1905 to 1920 style. There is a noticeable difference in the shapes of the handles when they transitioned styles.
My question is this, is the marking a stamp or an etch? The answer to that carries a lot of weight. After 1920 (as far as I know) W R Case did not etch the tangs, only the blades, so this a shaky point.
I have no reason to believe this razor is a fake and see nothing to indicate that, so here it is….
My verdict, the real deal, transition razor old blade newer style handles, light makers stamp, 1920 to 1955 era transition razor, imitation horn handles, value $35 – $85 on Ebay, depending on who’s looking.
Just my opinion I could be way off but that’s my opinion, if anyone can prove otherwise please educate me on my mis-read. Your input would be very welcome.
Ok the important part…the razor. This is a hard one to read and I could be very far off but here is my read of this razor. If you disagree and can verify your opinion please let me know, I do not know it all and do not claim to.
The blade, W R Case and Sons and part of Bradford is clearly visible so, according to my knowledge, experience and documentation says it is from the 1905 to 1920 era. And is a round point blade with shoulder.
The handle material is imitation horn which very desirable on older Case Brothers razors,
But, the handles are shaped much more like the 1920 to 1955 style than the 1905 to 1920 style. There is a noticeable difference in the shapes of the handles when they transitioned styles.
My question is this, is the marking a stamp or an etch? The answer to that carries a lot of weight. After 1920 (as far as I know) W R Case did not etch the tangs, only the blades, so this a shaky point.
I have no reason to believe this razor is a fake and see nothing to indicate that, so here it is….
My verdict, the real deal, transition razor old blade newer style handles, light makers stamp, 1920 to 1955 era transition razor, imitation horn handles, value $35 – $85 on Ebay, depending on who’s looking.
Just my opinion I could be way off but that’s my opinion, if anyone can prove otherwise please educate me on my mis-read. Your input would be very welcome.