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Post by PJGH on Jan 10, 2014 4:35:09 GMT -6
Hi folks - I have what I think is an Imperial No.2, having a list of patents on the back but no date. It also has the long handle which tucks into the inside edge and the three patterned stripes on the front and back. Being a collector, I'm after some others but the information I find around these razors does not always sit with the razors I'm seeing ... I'm led to understand that the Imperial No.1 has 1927 stated on the back. I have found a nice looking example, which has 1927 stated by above it the number 2 in a circle. Is this therefore a No.2? I have also seem examples with a number 3 in a circle above the patent information. I'm guessing that's a No.3. This one I'm looking at has the long handle, no means of stowing it in the edge of the case and it has the date ... so, it's a No.1, then? Or is it? What are the circled numbers all about? Confused ... can anyone clarify?
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Post by mjclark on Jan 10, 2014 4:51:46 GMT -6
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Post by PJGH on Jan 10, 2014 17:53:22 GMT -6
Thanks, pal - that is an informative read. I found another site which detailed all manner of sets, but ...
... nobody has mentioned these curious numbers in circles. I think I'll go for this one. It appears to be a No.1 although it might turn out to be a No.2 in which case, the advice that 1927 appearing on the No.1 only might need updating.
We'll see ...
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Post by robert00 on Jan 23, 2014 17:09:10 GMT -6
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Jan 24, 2014 1:12:51 GMT -6
Thanks, pal - that is an informative read. I found another site which detailed all manner of sets, but ... ... nobody has mentioned these curious numbers in circles. I think I'll go for this one. It appears to be a No.1 although it might turn out to be a No.2 in which case, the advice that 1927 appearing on the No.1 only might need updating. We'll see ... The numbers do definitely indicate models. You are correct that a stamp of 2 indicates the Imperial 2 and the 3 indicates the stainless version.
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Jan 24, 2014 1:15:37 GMT -6
Shaveworld indeed has helpful information. It doesn't make mention of this issue. Would you agree that the cover plate numbers identify the models as I have suggested? I don't believe there are any models stamped 1 though? And I don't think any of the aluminum Viscounts are numbered, but??
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Post by PJGH on Jan 24, 2014 3:46:33 GMT -6
Thanks, pal - that is an informative read. I found another site which detailed all manner of sets, but ... ... nobody has mentioned these curious numbers in circles. I think I'll go for this one. It appears to be a No.1 although it might turn out to be a No.2 in which case, the advice that 1927 appearing on the No.1 only might need updating. We'll see ... The numbers do definitely indicate models. You are correct that a stamp of 2 indicates the Imperial 2 and the 3 indicates the stainless version. Thank you for the clarification. As it happens, this one went for more than I was prepared to pay - the hone was good but the strop was no use. I'll know for next time.
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papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on Jan 24, 2014 9:19:35 GMT -6
The strop at least can be replaced fairly easily.
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Post by mjclark on Jan 24, 2014 10:26:13 GMT -6
Since the way to get a good shave from the Rolls is to hone the blade outside the box, and it can also be stropped outside too, the important thing for shaving is just that the blade has a true unchipped edge. The included hone and strop are unnecessary as long as you have a barber hone and a strop available, and the included hone is not sufficiently fine to put a good edge on the blade anyway. This is probably why so many Rolls sets were barely used and survive in the wild in such good condition.
Of course if you are acquiring the sets for the purposes of collection and display then you will want an intact case hone and strop, but for sure there are many of those to be found too.
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Post by PJGH on Jan 24, 2014 14:23:34 GMT -6
Yeah, I hear you ...
It still went to far too much.
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Del
Shave Master
Posts: 123
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Post by Del on Jan 26, 2014 19:00:45 GMT -6
Nice info everyone, thanks. I once passed on one of these at an estate sale because I didn't want to take the time to figure out how to use it. I might have to reconsider.
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Post by mjclark on Jan 26, 2014 20:22:46 GMT -6
Well - this thread has inspired me to hone my Rolls blades through a progression and recondition the case strop, so thanks! It's actually more work than a straight and not as much fun, but shaving with a properly prepared Rolls is a great occasional indulgence. There are so many beautifully made sets and spare parts still surviving, and it's weird to think that we could potentially get better use from them now than when they were sold brand new. Perhaps someone should start reconditioning sets and selling them on as shave ready. Attachments:
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