Razor (I Think). Can You Help Me With Age And Type?

[flinthunter]

Sorry, the color of these pictures is off. The piece is yellow brass and the rusty looking areas are just tarnished. This is about 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 3/4 inches wide. The markings on the body read H.M. FAWSITT & CO'S - PATENT NO. 3463 - SHEFFIELD. The blade is marked MACKIE - TRADE MARK H.M. FAWSITT & CO'S PRIZE - EDINBURGH. The blade adjusts slightly forward and back to expose or cover the slots on the bottom. I am guessing this might be made in England or Scotland. It certainly seems to be for shaving something but I have no idea what. Any information you can give me on age, origin, or use will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. [attachment 273919 DSC00161razor.jpg][attachment 273920 DSC00155razor.jpg][attachment 273921 DSC00182razor.jpg][attachment 273922 DSC00180razor.jpg][attachment 273923 DSC00176razor.jpg]

 

[dave5710]

Sheep shears??

 

[Aarong81]

I think it is made in Sheffield, England. But I cannot find any razors similar to this one. It appears to be either a safety style or thinning razor. Where there should be a handle it is just flat and has mounting holes.

My guess is that it is used for de-hairing animal hides in the leather making process and the razor was mounted on the edge of a table so it would be immobile. Similar to a de-fleshing tool for the other side of the hide in the same process, except this razor would clog up instantly if used as a de-flesher.
http://www.collectorsencyclopedia.com/imgins/0110C.jpg

 

[taz42o]

Its A.M .Fawsitt, "Albert".

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sheffield-straight-razor-albert-246099527

I guess worthpoint site is wrong. here is another clearly marked Hubert Fawsitt.

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/71701884/Kropp_Hubert_Fawsitt_cutthroat_razors.html

 

[flinthunter]

Its A.M .Fawsitt, "Albert".

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sheffield-straight-razor-albert-246099527

I guess worthpoint site is wrong. here is another clearly marked Hubert Fawsitt.

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/71701884/Kropp_Hubert_Fawsitt_cutthroat_razors.html

This is a definite H. Fawsitt. Albert could have been the father, son, brother, etc of H. Fawsitt.

 

[flinthunter]

I think it is made in Sheffield, England. But I cannot find any razors similar to this one. It appears to be either a safety style or thinning razor. Where there should be a handle it is just flat and has mounting holes.

My guess is that it is used for de-hairing animal hides in the leather making process and the razor was mounted on the edge of a table so it would be immobile. Similar to a de-fleshing tool for the other side of the hide in the same process, except this razor would clog up instantly if used as a de-flesher.
http://www.collectorsencyclopedia.com/imgins/0110C.jpg

I hadn't thought about it being used on hides or pelts. Several of my guesses were for animal grooming, ice sculpting or ice shaving. I can see where this might have been used for fleshing small pelts such as mink, muskrat, or ermine.

Another idea you've given me is taxidermy work. Being adjustable it could have been used to flesh small thin skinned animals, birds or fish. This is something else I need to look into.

 

[flinthunter]

Sheep shears??

Hi Dave

Good guess but I don't think this would work for sheep shearing. I've sheared sheep and I can tell you for sure that using this for shearing would be about like mowing your lawn with a pair of child"s safety scissors.