Thread: How to date JOSEPH ALLEN & SONS SHEFFIELD NON-XLL

G'day, I managed to acquire a Joseph Allen and Sons razor with a barber notch that is in rather decent condition. There are no nicks or cracks in the blade, a few dullish spots that I want to say look like 'patina', however i shall not say that since I haven't the foggiest about restoration. I stropped it but I believe it needs a hone, which I have yet to purchase yet. So two questions,

1. Can anyone suggest a reputable dealer that I might send it to, to have it honed and to have a professional opinion made on it as its my first used buy. I really would appreciate someone takeing a look and telling me whether I buggered up or not.

2. How can I find an aproximate date of manufacture, does anyone have any resource material on this artist. An average sift of the internet says he was a very decent knife maker and produced fine blades between 1860 and mid 1920. I just wondered where my razor might have fell.

I shall be happy to post images if there is any interest.

Cheers.

Some more knowledgeable guys may chime in with the history but if the tang stamp contains the word "England it is post 1890.

Restoration & honing guys that can assess your stropping are here :
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