For 12/31

Slug: Straight Razors And Knives At Absolute Auction Center January 7

#614143

TG – 3 cuts

 

PLEASANT VALLEY, N.Y — A private collection of 150 lots of fancy and unusual straight razors and assorted collectible knives will be sold on Friday, January 7, 6 pm, at the Absolute Auction Center.

The straight razor was the most prized personal possession of a man prior to the Twentieth Century invention of the disposable safety blade. Because the early wedge-shaped blades did not wear out, it was not uncommon for the shaver to have one straight razor his entire life and then pass it on to a descendent.

This private collection has examples dating back as early as the Revolutionary War period. The pre-1800 examples were simple wedge-shaped blades with no distinct tang. The Eighteenth Century examples often had handles made of buffalo horn. Some specimens boasted mottled or clear horn scales. These varieties are collected for their primitive simplicity and are quite rare.

The distinct tang area of the blade developed around 1825, allowing for the name and address of the maker to be included on the piece. Handle materials of the time included various animal horns, ivory, bone, mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. The finest, classic-style, handmade examples were manufactured in Sheffield, England, until about 1870.

Many sets were produced in matched pairs, fitted in velvet and satin lined wood presentation cases. Additionally, sets were made in all sizes, ranging to the seven-day set with days of the week etched on the top of each of the seven blades. The seven razors were fitted in wood cases and were prized possessions. Incidentally, most seven day sets are incomplete, as the original owner would shave with just one or two of the razors and leave the rest unused in the box. Naturally, the separated razor or razors either became damaged or lost. Careful examination of a complete set will usually reveal one or two razors with much more wear than the rest.

With the 1868 invention of celluloid, a plasticlike material, and the introduction of imitation ivory in 1870, straight razors were produced with many fancy handle patterns. The figural celluloid handle patterns are very popular today as a collectible. All types of animals, events and floral patterns were featured. Windmills, lighthouses, ships, automobiles, wildlife, even risqué nude ladies, were featured. Color was added to the celluloid scenes to enhance beauty.

The straight razor collection being sold at Absolute’s unreserved auction on January 7 will feature a wide range of patterns from the Eighteenth Century up to and including the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century fancy celluloid handle patterns and etched blades. This collection has some desirable American manufacturers’ names such as Winchester, W.R. Case & Sons, and Simmons Hardware, as well as many early Sheffield makers.

It is interesting to note that the manufacturers provided the potential purchaser with a choice of a fancy handle or an ornately etched blade. Rarely will the collector find a straight razor that boasts both a fancy handle and decorated blade. This collection has a few of these rare combinations.

The preview is Friday, December 7p from 3 pm until the start of the auction at 6 pm. Absentee bids and live simultaneous Internet bidding will be available. The complete catalog with photographs can be viewed online after 6 pm on Thursday,  January 6,  at  AbsoluteAuctionRealty.com or call 845-635-3169.

For 12/31

slug: Florence Griswold Museum Exhibits An Artists Tree For The Holidays

#614117

TG – 1 cut

OLD LYME, CONN. — This holiday season the Florence Griswold Museum introduced new projects for its annual celebration about “The Magic of Christmas.” A new addition has been “Miss Florence’s Artist Tree,” a 12-foot tree decorated with artists’ palettes painted by 52 professional artists from Southeastern Connecticut and beyond.

The Museum’s Collection Committee, a standing committee of the Board of Trustees, recently voted unanimously to accept all 52 palettes into the museum’s collection. “I am particularly pleased with their decision,” said Director Jeffrey Andersen, “for it recognizes the growing role that contemporary artists are having with the Florence Griswold Museum.”

Some of the artists who participated include Brad Guarino, T. Allen Lawson and Sol LeWitt. Their styles and subject matter are as varied as the individuals. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics and collage are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes and more than a few surprises.

The “Magic of Christmas” will be on view until January 2. The museum will be open for the first time on New Year’s Day from 10 am to 5 pm with special programming. Call 860-434-5542 or view www.flogris.org for information on the “Magic of Christmas” events. Regular hours are Tuesday– Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. The museum is at 96 Lyme Street.