Hartford Cutlery

[StereoStapp]

I have just received as a gift a Hartford Cultery straight razor. It appears to be carbon steel with a carved bone handle. Does anyone have any information on these?

[JohnP]

Haven't heard of them; where does the tang say it is made?
John P.

[StereoStapp]

I have examined the tang and all the information I can find is Hartford Cutlery. The handle may in fact be an old form of plastic, instead of bone.

I am posting a photo to give more clues.

Thanks, Stereo

Actually, I can't seem to post the image.[/img]

[StereoStapp]

Thank you Chris for the information. I was not able to find any further distinguishing marks that would tell which cutlery made this particular razor.

Barry

[ShavetheBadger]

Harford Cutlery is apparently a fairly popular name...

Hartford Cutlery Co. Prussia
(prior to 1914) is a trademark used by Marshall-Wells

Hartford Cutlery Co. Deluth, Minn.
(1914-1939) Trademark of Marshall-Wells

Hartford Cutlery Co. Hartford Conn.
estimated 1900-1920
"Extra Hollow Ground" will be etched on the blade

Hartford Cutlery Co. Tariffville Conn.
c.1880-1886

Hartford Knife Co.
estimated 1875-1900

The type of materials, metal, style of blade and similar details can help pinpoint a date, when could then narrow down which company it could be.
Celluloid for example, was invented in 1870, but not used in industry for knife or razor handles until almost a decade later.
The hot pin test can always id a plastic, but is destructive. KHeat a pin to red hot and touch it to the inside of one of the scales. Neither bone or Ivory will be altered while any type of plastic, celluloid, bakelite, ?? will all melt to some degree.

Hope this helps,

Matt

[ShavetheBadger]

can I erase a second (accidental) post?