18th Century Material Culture

Dressing the Face

English Razors
 Characteristics
18th Century Razors
Short Tail

Large Pivot Pin

Tang

Straight Blade Even with Tang Slight Shoulder to Tang

Spine

Blade Edge
“Dip at Toe”

Curve of Blade

Straight Scales

Large Base Pin

English Razor Makers Working in Sheffield in 1774
Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory 1774
(Public Domain)
English Cutlers Working in Sheffield in 1781
Bailey’s Directory 1781
(Public Domain)
English Cutlers Working in Sheffield in 1781
Bailey’s Directory 1781
(Public Domain)
English Cutlers Working in Sheffield in 1781
Bailey’s Directory 1781
(Public Domain)
 English Razor Manufacturers in Sheffield in 1787
“A DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin 1787
(Public Domain)
 English Razor Manufacturers in Sheffield in 1787
“A DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin 1787
(Public Domain)
 English Razor Manufacturers in Sheffield in 1787
“A DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin 1787
(Public Domain)
 English Razor Strap Manufacturers in Sheffield in 1787
“A DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin 1787
(Public Domain)
Trade Card for the Great Toy Shop of G. Willdey
c. 1720
(National Maritime Museum)
 A. Razor by George Smith & Sons, Sheffield, 1770-1785.
Trademark, cross and "Smith." Black Horn Handle 1775
B. Razor by John Shepherd, Sheffield, 1770-1795.
Trademark, Crown and "Wolf." Inscription, "Acier fondu." Bone Handle 1780
C. Razor by Staniforth, Parkin & Co., Sheffield, 1785-1800.
Trademark, "Parkin." Inscription, "Acier fondu." Handle, mottled horn." 1790

(From "Old Sheffield Razors” by Lummus, Henry T.;" In "Antiques", Vol. 2. December, 1922. p. 262.)
Trade Card “Bailey & Youle. Cutlers from Sheffield”
Mid 18th Century
(Public Domain)
 Richard Ash
Sheffield

Richard Ash is mentioned in “Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” of 1774, He was

located on Norfolk Street. He is also listed on Young Street in “A
DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin in 1787

Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory 1774

“A DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin 1787

 English Razor from Sheffield
By Richard Ash, Cutler c. 1774 - 1781
(ebay - hungrelic)
 Henry Birks
Sheffield

There is No Mention of Henry Birks of Sheffield in “Sketchley’s Sheffield

Directory” of 1774, “Bailey’s Northern Directory” of 1781, or “Gales & Martin
Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Razor from Sheffield

By Henry Birks, Listed as a Cutler From 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Razors from Sheffield
By Henry Birks, Listed as a Cutler From 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Razor from Sheffield
By Henry Birks, Listed as a Cutler From 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Razor from Sheffield
by Henry Birks c. 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Razor from Sheffield
by Henry Birks c. 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
English Razors from Sheffield
by Henry Birks c. 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
English Razors from Sheffield
by Henry Birks c. 1720 - 1760
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 William Birks / William Birks and Son
Norfolk Street, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Bailey’s Northern Directory” 1781

There is No Mention of William Birks or William Birks and Son in “Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787
English Trade Card for William Birks, Razor Maker, Sheffield
c.1750
(The British Museum)
English Trade Card for William Birks, Razor Maker, Sheffield
c.1750
(The British Museum)
English Trade Card for John Brailsford, Cutler, Leicester Fields
c.1750
(The British Museum)
English Trade Card for John Brailsford, Cutler, Leicester Fields
c.1750
(Spitalfieldlife.com)
Btittain, Wilkinson & Brownell
Arundel Street, Sheffield

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Razor from Sheffield Marked “FRANCE”

by Btittain, Wilkinson & Brownell c. 1787 - 1795
(Acier Fondu)
English Razor from Sheffield Marked “FRANCE”
by Btittain, Wilkinson & Brownell c. 1787 - 1795
(Private Collection)
English Razor from Sheffield Marked “FRANCE”
by Btittain, Wilkinson & Brownell c. 1787 - 1795
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
English Razor from Sheffield Marked “FRANCE”
by Btittain, Wilkinson & Brownell c. 1787 - 1795
(Acier Fondu)
 Luke Cadman
Fargate & Surrey Street, Sheffield

Began His Profession as a Cutler c. 1748

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

There is No Listing of Luke Cadman in “Bailey’s Northern Directory” 1781

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Razor from Sheffield
by Luke Cadman c. 1780
(Private Collection)
English Trade Card for John Cargill, Instrument Maker, London
1739
(Wellcome Library)
English Trade Card for John Chasson, Razor & Surgical Instrument Maker, London
Mid 18th Century
(Wellcome Library)
English Trade Card for Benjamin Dawson, Razor Maker, London
Late 18th Century
(Lewis Walpole Library)
 George Elliot of London
(Not Listed in Bailey’s Directory of 1781)

(Research by and from: historyrazors.wordpress.com)

 English Straight Razor Marked “LONDON”
by George Elliot 18th Century - Exact Date Unknown
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 John Fox / Fox and Norris
Westbar, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

John Fox Used the *P Mark from 1737 - 1793. Samuel Norris Inherited the *P Mark of John Fox After 1793

(Razor from historyrazors.wordpress.com)

English Razor from Sheffield Marked *P
by John Fox on Westbar c. 1750 - 1770
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Razor from Sheffield
by Samuel Norris c. 1767 - 1793 (After 1793 He Used the *P Inherited from John Fox)
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Razor from Sheffield
by Samuel Norris c. 1767 - 1793 (After 1793 He Used the *P Inherited from John Fox)
(Morristown National Historic Park)
 William Greaves
Burgess - street, Sheffield

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Razor from Sheffield

by William Greaves on Burgess Street c. 1785 - 1816
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield
by William Greaves on Burgess Street c. 1785 - 1816
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield
by William Greaves on Burgess Street c. 1785 - 1816
(Private Collection)
 Johnathan Hall
China - square, Sheffield

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Razor From Sheffield Marked “GRATIAN”

by Jonathan Hall on China - Square c. 1787
(Private Collection)
English Razor From Sheffield Marked “GRATIAN”
by Jonathan Hall on China - Square c. 1787
(Private Collection)
English Razor From Sheffield Marked “GRATIAN / WARRANTED”
by Jonathan Hall on China - Square c. 1790s
(Acier Fondu)
 Kippax and Knowel
Sheffield

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Straight Blade Razor Marked “KIPPAX”

Likely by Kippax and Krowel c. 1781 - 1786
(Private Collection)
English Straight Blade Razor Marked “KIPPAX”
Likely by Kippax and Krowel c. 1781 - 1786
(Private Collection)
 John Leadbeater
Copper Street, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Bailey’s Northern Directory” 1781

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

( Razor from historyrazors.wordpress.com)

 John Lindley
Spring - street, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

For Some Reason John Lindley is Not Listed in Bailey’s Directory of 1781

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

(Razor from historyrazors.wordpress.com and Acier Fondu)

 English Razor from Sheffield
by John or William Lindley c. 1774 - 1790
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield Owned by George Washington from Sheffield
Labeled by Mount Vernon as by George Wostenholm, But Marks Appear Like Those of John or William Lindley
(Mount Vernon)
 English Razor from Sheffield Owned by George Washington from Sheffield
Labeled by Mount Vernon as by George Wostenholm, But Marks Appear Like Those of John or William Lindley
(Mount Vernon)
 William Lindley
On Snighill / Spring Street, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Bailey’s Northern Directory” 1781

William Lindley Does Not Appear in “Gales and Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

(Razor Courtesy historyrazors.wordpress.com and Acier Fondu)

 English Razor from Sheffield
by William (or John?) Lindley c. 1770s - Mid 1780s
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
English Trade Card for Henry Looker, Razor Maker, London
c. 1790
(The British Museum)
English Trade Card for Palmer, Razor Maker & Cutler
1794
(The British Museum)
English Trade Card for Henry Patten, London
c.1750
(Victoria & Albert Museum)
 Jonathan Pitchford
Stumperly, Sheffield

“Gales & Martin Directory” 1787

English Razor from Sheffield Marked “P Ford”

Likely by Jonathan Pitchford on Stumperly c. 1787
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield Marked “P Ford”
Likely by Jonathan Pitchford on Stumperly c. 1787
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield Marked “P Ford”
Likely by Jonathan Pitchford on Stumperly c. 1787
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield Marked “P Ford”
Likely by Jonathan Pitchford on Stumperly c. 1787
(Private Collection)
 Straight Blade Razor Marked “P”
Possibly by Jonathan Pitchford on Stumperly c. 1787
(Private Collection)
 William Platt
Cowms, Sheffield

“Gales & Martin Directory” 1787

English Razor from Sheffield

Appears to be Marked for William Platt, But Uncertain c. 1787
(Private Collection)
George Revil / Revill and sons / Revel
New Street, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Bailey’s Northern Directory” 1781

“Gales & Martin Directory” 1787

English Razors from Sheffield
by George Revil c. 1760 - 1790
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 Ann Rowland
Westbargreen, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

Ann Rowland Does Not Appear in Either “Bailey’s Northern Directory” of 1781 or
“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” of 1787

(Razor from: historyrazors.wordpress.com)

English Straight Razors Marked with “R SPAIN”
by Ann Rowland Pre 1787, Likely 1774
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
English Straight Razor Marked with “R SPAIN” and “ROBINSON”
by Ann Rowland Pre 1787, Likely 1774
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 Elizabeth Rowland / Widow Rowland
Churchlane & Back-Lane, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

Elizabeth Rowland Does Not Appear in “Bailey’s Northern Directory” of 1781

“Gales & Martin Directory” 1787

English Straight Razor Marked with a Crescent Moon and “R”
by Widow Rowland c. 1787 (Possibly Mid 1780s and Later)
(Acier Fondu)
 John Sheppard / Shepherd
Redcroft & Holles Croft, Sheffield

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Bailey’s Northern Directory” 1781

“Gales & Martin Directory” 1787

English Razors Marked with a Crown and “WOLF”
by John Sheppard / Shepherd c. 1774 - 1790
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 Georgius Smith
Scotland, Sheffield

Georgius Smith is Listed in “Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” of 1774 on Scotland

He and His Mark are Listed Separately from George Smith and Sons on Peacroft
He Does Not Appear in Either “Bailey’s Directory” of 1781 or “Gales and Martin Directory” of 1787

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

George Smith / George Smith & Sons / Thomas Smith
Peacroft, Sheffield

1749: George Smith Becomes Master Cutler

1770 – 1785: George Smith Operates as “George Smith & Sons“ Until His Death in 1785
1785: Thomas Smith, Son of George Smith, Inherits His Father’s Mark

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

“Bailey’s Directory, Sheffield” 1781

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

 English Straight Razor
by George Smith or George Smith & Sons on Peacroft (Possible Georgeius Smith with Cross???) c. 1770s
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Straight Razor
by George Smith or George Smith & Sons on Peacroft c. 1770s
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Straight Razor
by George Smith or George Smith & Sons on Peacroft c. 1770s
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Straight Razor
by George Smith or George Smith & Sons on Peacroft c. 1770s
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Straight Razor
by George Smith or George Smith & Sons on Peacroft c. 1770s
(historyrazors.wordpress.com)
 English Straight Razor
by George Smith or George Smith & Sons on Peacroft c. 1770s
(G.S. Theberge Collection)
 English Straight Razor Marked “G. SMITH / ACIER FONDU”
Likely by George Smith & Sons or Thomas Smith on Peacroft Late 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
 English Straight Razor Marked “G. SMITH / ACIER FONDU”
Likely by George Smith & Sons or Thomas Smith on Peacroft c. 1790s - 1800
(Acier Fondu)
English Trade Card for William Spence, Razor Maker, London
c.1750
(Victoria & Albert Museum)
English Trade Card for William Spence, Razor Maker, London
c.1750
(Victoria & Albert Museum)
 English Razor from Sheffield
Marked for William Warburton on the Top of the Blade c. 1748 - 1774
(Acier Fondu)
 English Razor from Sheffield
Marked for William Warburton on the Top of the Blade c. 1748 - 1774
(Acier Fondu)
 Thomas Warburton
Coal Pit Lane & Burgess Street, Sheffield

Son of William Warburton, Freed from Apprenticeship in 1775

“Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory” 1774

Thomas Warburton is Not Listed in “Bailey’s Directory, Sheffield” 1781

“Gales & Martin Sheffield Directory” 1787

English Razor Blades Excavated at a British Camp During the American War for Independence
Dyckman Farm, Washington Heights, Manhattan c. 1776
(New York Historical Society)
English, But Possibly French, Straight Blade Razor Excavated from Fort Michilimackinac, Abandoned 1781
Pre - 1781
(Fort Michilimackinac)
English Razor Likely from Sheffield
Unknown Maker Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
English Razor Likely from Sheffield
Unknown Maker Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
English Shagreen & Silver Etui Featuring a Razor, Likely from Sheffield
Unknown Maker Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
English Shagreen & Silver Etui Featuring a Razor, Likely from Sheffield
Unknown Maker Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
English Shagreen & Silver Etui Featuring a Razor, Likely from Sheffield
Unknown Maker Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
English Shagreen & Silver Etui Featuring a Razor, Likely from Sheffield
Unknown Maker Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
Shaving Set with Brush, Razor & Soap Dish Used by Solomon Moon
Unidentified Maker 18th Century
(Fort Ticonderoga)
 Razor
18th Century
(Private Collection)
 English Razor from Sheffield
Unidentified Maker c. 1770 - 1790
(Colonial Williamsburg)
 English Razor from Sheffield
Unidentified Maker Late 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
Razor with Pewter Washer and Brass Pin Recovered from Grand Portage
18th Century
(Grand Portage)
English Bone Handled Razor in a Leather Case Recovered from the 1785 Wreck of the General Carleton of Whitby
c. 1785
(From: “The General Carleton Shipwreck 1785” Wrak Statku - Polish Maritime Museum)
English Bone Handled Razors Recovered from the 1785 Wreck of the General Carleton of Whitby
c. 1785
(From: “The General Carleton Shipwreck 1785” Wrak Statku - Polish Maritime Museum)
English Bone Razor Scales Recovered from the 1785 Wreck of the General Carleton of Whitby
c. 1785
(From: “The General Carleton Shipwreck 1785” Wrak Statku - Polish Maritime Museum)
 English Razor Blade Recovered from the 1785 Wreck of the General Carleton of Whitby
c. 1785
(From: “The General Carleton Shipwreck 1785” Wrak Statku - Polish Maritime Museum)
Straight Blade Razor Marked “Cast Steel”
Likely 1800
(Private Collection)
French Razors
“ Nouveau Traité des Instruments de Chirurgie les plus utiles, et de Plusieurs Nouvelles Machines propres pour les Maladies des os”
René-Jacques Croissant de Garengeot 1727
(Public Domain)
 “Perruquier Barbier”
 The Encyclopedia of Diderot & d'Alembert 1751
(University of Michigan)
 “Perruquier Barbier”
 The Encyclopedia of Diderot & d'Alembert 1751
(University of Michigan)
 “Perruquier Barbier”
 The Encyclopedia of Diderot & d'Alembert 1751
(University of Michigan)
 “Perruquier Barbier”
 The Encyclopedia of Diderot & d'Alembert 1751
(University of Michigan)
 “Perruquier Barbier”
 The Encyclopedia of Diderot & d'Alembert 1751
(University of Michigan)
 French Razor
“ La pogonotomie ou l'art d'apprendre à se raser soi-même”
Jran Jacques Perret 1769
(Historie de la Sante’)
 French Razor
“ La pogonotomie ou l'art d'apprendre à se raser soi-même”
Jran Jacques Perret 1769
(Historie de la Sante’)
 Detail: French Razor
“L'ART du COUTELIER EXPERT EN INSTRUMENTS DE CHIRUGIE”
by Auguste-Denis Fougeroux de Bondaroy, Delatour 1772
(Public Domain)
French Draft Trade Card of François Fajot, Cutler and Barber, Paris
18th Century
(The British Museum)
French Draft Trade Card of François Fajot, Cutler and Barber, Paris
18th Century
(The British Museum)
French Razor with Ivory Scales Owned by George Washington Marked “LANGLOIS/[C * D]UROY”
c. 1790
(Mount Vernon)
French Razor with Ivory Scales Owned by George Washington Marked “LANGLOIS/[C * D]UROY”
c. 1790
(Mount Vernon)
French Razor from Paris
Late 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
French Razor from Paris
Late 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
Spanish Razors
 English Steel & Horn Razor with Pasteboard Case Owned by Myles Standish
Likely Produced in Toledo Spain and Carried to the New World on the Mayflower Dated 1612
(Pilgrim Hall Museum)
 English Steel & Horn Razor with Pasteboard Case Owned by Myles Standish
Likely Produced in Toledo Spain and Carried to the New World on the Mayflower Dated 1612
(Pilgrim Hall Museum)
Dutch Razors
Dutch Turtle Shell & Silver Gentleman’s Toilet Box
c. 1700 - 1730
(Victoria & Albert)
Dutch Turtle Shell & Silver Gentleman’s Toilet Box
c. 1700 - 1730
(Victoria & Albert)
Dutch Turtle Shell & Silver Gentleman’s Toilet Box
c. 1700 - 1730
(Victoria & Albert)
Dutch Turtle Shell & Silver Gentleman’s Toilet Box
c. 1700 - 1730
(Victoria & Albert)
German Razors
Continental, Probably South German, Silver Mounted Shagreen Gentleman’s Toilet Box
18th Century
(Christie’s)
Continental, Probably South German, Silver Mounted Shagreen Gentleman’s Toilet Box
18th Century
(Christie’s)
Unidentified
Razors
 Razor
Unknown Maker Early - Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
 Razor
Unknown Maker Early - Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
 Razor
Unknown Maker Early - Mid 18th Century
(Acier Fondu)
 “European” Razor
Unidentified Maker Likely Mid 18th Century
(Victoria & Albert Museum)
 Razor
18th Century
(Private Collection)
(Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
 Characteristics
Post 18th Century Razors
“Chinese” Razors
Not 18th Century
Razor
Boxes
Straight Razor Marked “ Clark & Hall Cast Steel “
Razor Case
(Guilford Courthouse National Military Park)
Razor Box with Painted Lid & Silk Lining
18th Century
(“Big Daddy” West Collection)
Razor Box with Painted Lid & Silk Lining
18th Century
(“Big Daddy” West Collection)
Razor Box with Painted Lid & Silk Lining
18th Century
(“Big Daddy” West Collection)
 Wood Razor Box Recovered from the 1785 Wreck of the General Carleton of Whitby
c. 1785
(From: “The General Carleton Shipwreck 1785” Wrak Statku - Polish Maritime Museum)
 Razor Box
18th Century
(Guilford Courthouse National Military Park)
 Razor Boxes
18th Century
(Private Collection)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
Traveling Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
c. 1780 - 1800
(Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
 Shaving Case from General Nathaniel Green to
Peter Francisco New Store, Buckingham County Virginia July 4, 1776
(Guilford Courthouse National Military Park)
Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
Possibly Purchased in Philadelphia in 1775
(Mount Vernon Association)
Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
Possibly Purchased in Philadelphia in 1775
(Mount Vernon Association)
Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
Possibly Purchased in Philadelphia in 1775
(Mount Vernon Association)
Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
Possibly Purchased in Philadelphia in 1775
(Mount Vernon Association)
Shaving Kit Owned by George Washington
Possibly Purchased in Philadelphia in 1775
(Mount Vernon Association)
 Spanish Shaving Kit
18th Century
(Christie’s Auction House)
Strops & Stones
Honing Stone Given to General George Washington by His Nephew Major George Lewis
c. 1775
(Mount Vernon Association)
Shaving Brushes
Shaving Brushes in Iron Sleeves (Handles Missing) Recovered from the 1785 Wreck of the General Carleton of Whitby
c. 1785
(From: “The General Carleton Shipwreck 1785” Wrak Statku - Polish Maritime Museum)
English Silver Shaving Brush Owned by the First Earl of Lichfield
1784
(National Trust -Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire)
Shaving Brush
c. 1770 - 1810
(Winterthur)
 Trade Card
John Brailsford, Cutler
(Spitalfieldlife.com)
Shaving Set with Brush, Razor & Soap Dish Used by Solomon Moon
18th Century
(Fort Ticonderoga)
“TRAGEDY BURLESQUE or the BARBER turned ACTOR”
by Bowles & Carver c. 1785
(The British Museum)
Shaving Mirrors
 Self Portrait
Lt. Gabriel Bay March 1775
(National Maritime Museum)
English Japanned Shaving Mirror stamped “EP”
Queen Anne Period
(Brunk Auction House)
Mahogany Shaving Mirror
Mid 18th Century
(Skinner Auction House)
 Walnut Veneer Shaving Mirror
Mid 18th Century
(Estate of Walter Bott Loucks, Jr.)
English Mahogany Shaving Mirror
c. 1720 - 1760
(Victoria & Albert)
Shaving Box with Fold Out Mirror
18th Century
(Private Collection)
 A Monkey Shaving in a Mirror
by Thomas Bewick c. 1780 - 1790
(The British Museum)
English Mahogany Shaving Mirror
c. 1760 - 1780
(Victoria & Albert)
English Dressing or Shaving Stand on a DressingTable
c. 1700 - 1730
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
 English Shaving Table Drawing
by Thomas Chippendale c. 1753 - 1754
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Barber Bowls
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl from Birmingham
c. 1710 - 1720
(Victoria & Albert Museum)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl from Birmingham
c. 1710 - 1720
(The British Museum)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
1716
(Christie’s)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Early 18th Century
(Christie’s)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Early 18th Century
(Christie’s)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Early 18th Century
(Winterthur)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Early 18th Century
(Historic Deerfield)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Late 17th to Early 18th Century
(Private Collection)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl from Bristol
Late 17th to Early 18th Century
(Private Collection)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
1706
(Chipstone Foundation)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Late 17th to Early 18th Century
(Antique Associates of West Townsend)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Late 17th to Early 18th Century
(Antique Associates of West Townsend)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
18th Century
(Christie’s)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl Depicting a Blacksmith
Mid 18th Century
(Van Nie Antiquairs)
English Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
c. 1750
(Bostonian Society)
Dutch Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
18th Century
(Victoria & Albert)
Dutch Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
18th Century
(Victoria & Albert)
Dutch Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
18th Century
(Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco)
Dutch Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
Early 18th Century
(Private Collection)
Dutch Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
c. 1660 - 1680
(Victoria & Albert)
Dutch Tin Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl
18th Century
(Guest & Gray)
Dutch Lead Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl from Yorkshire or Staffordshire
c. 1770
(John Howard)
Dutch Lead Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl from Yorkshire or Staffordshire
c. 1770
(John Howard)
 American Lead Glazed Earthenware Barber Bowl from Pennsylvania
"Shave me beautiful and fine that I will please the beloved one of mine." 1769
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
European Pewter Barber Bowl
c. 1750
(Private Collection)
 English Pewter Barber Bowl
by James Hitchman c. 1675 - 1700
(Victoria & Albert)
English Silver Barber Bowl
c. 1682 - 1683
(Victoria & Albert)
 French Silver Basin with Shaving Attachment
Basin by Jean Fauch c. 1745 - 1746, Attachment by Joseph-Pierre-Jacques Dugua c. 1760 - 1761
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
French Sheffield Plate Barber Bowl
Late 18th Century
(Victoria & Albert)
 English Brass Barber’s Bowl
c. 1750 - 1780
(Antique Associates of West Townsend)
Shaving Jugs
English Silver Shaving Jug
c. 1682 - 1683
(Victoria & Albert)
English Silvered Brass Shaving Jug
c. 1730 - 1740
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
 Irish Silver Shaving Jug
by John Williamson of Dublin 1736
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Soap Boxes
English Silver Soap Box for Shaving
c. 1682 - 1683
(Victoria & Albert)
French Silver Soap & Sponge Boxes
by C. Louis Gérard 1739
(Metropolitan Museum of Art)
English Silvered Brass Soap Box
c. 1750
(Victoria & Albert)
Shaving Sets
 French Silver Shaving Set
by Henri - Louise Gaigneur c. 1750
(Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)
Cut Throats
Alleged Murder of Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex, in the Tower; plan of Capel's cell in the Tower, with three
men seizing Capel on the left, a razor blade in the centre, and Capel's corpse at the top right. 1683
(The British Museum)
“Ryland Cutting his throat on Sight of the Officers of Justice”
1783
(Museum of London)
“The true and particular account of A MURDER Committed last Friday night”
1791
(Museum of London)
 French
Facial Hair
Illustration to “Estevanille Gonzalez” & Engraved for 'Oeuvres choisies de Lesage' (Paris & Amsterdam, 1783)
by Robert De Launay after Clément Pierre Marillier 1783
(The British Museum)
Illustration to “Estevanille Gonzalez” & Engraved for 'Oeuvres choisies de Lesage' (Paris & Amsterdam, 1783)
by Robert De Launay after Clément Pierre Marillier 1783
(The British Museum)
 Take Notice!

For More on Shaving, Check Out the Slideshow on Barbers & Barbershops!
 Acknowledgements

I am indebted to Neal Hurst and Justin Clement for providing me with digital
copies of Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory of 1774, Bailey’s Directory of 1781 and
“A DIRECTORY of Sheffield” Compile & Printed by Gales & Martin 1787.

I would also like to acknowledge and credit the great blog at

historyrazors.wordpress.com and Acier Fondu for filling in much needed
gaps in the razor section. For more information on period razors, please visit
these sites.
 Acknowledgements

The material contained within these slideshows is presented for educational purposes only. The
18th Century Material Culture Resource Center does not personally own any of the items
depicted herein and is indebted to the countless museums, libraries, and private collectors who
willingly share their collections with the public through the internet. Every attempt has been
made to credit these organizations and individuals for their contributions as best as possible.

If there is a question you have regarding a particular item featured within a presentation, please
contact the 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center and we will try to answer your
inquiry as best as possible. If for any reason you feel there is any item that should not be
presented here, or if there is an error in any listing, or if you know the source for any item whose
credit is unknown, please inform us and we will make sure your concern is addressed as soon as
possible.

Thank you!

- The 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center