Vintage 1912 VALET AUTOSTROP RAZOR in Case, Spare Blade - (eBay item 310003479464 end time Dec-06-07 18:30:00 PST)

Vintage 1912 VALET AUTOSTROP RAZOR in Case, Spare Blade - (eBay item 310003479464 end time Dec-06-07 18:30:00 PST)

This old razor comes in the original metal case small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Inside the case, the lid says, "Model C Valet AutoStrop Razor, Made in USA." The blade in the razor head has the word "Valet" cut out of the metal. The head says, "Valet AutoStrop Razor, Patented April 9, 1912, Other Patents Pending. AutoStrop Razor Co., New York, U.S.A."

I thought it was dangerous to use because the blade just laid on the head and would flip back. Turns out it locks in place when you pull back the little tab around the hole you screw the handle into. Phew!

The spare blade doesn't have the cut-out Valet word. It's wrapped in an ancient, torn version of waxed paper and lays in an engraved gold-color metal sleeve that has room for many more blades. The handle is solid, tipped with the screw threads for joining to the head and has gripper texture engraved in the handle ridges.

There's a bit of rust in the blue velvet case lining and some of the silver gilt words have rubbed off. The metal outside finish is very worn with much rust on the bottom. It snaps closed with a satisfying sound and feel.

See more photos on eBay.

Blogged with Flock