Shaving Set - "Imperial No.3" by Rolls Razor

1927
Overview

Original presentation box, and inside is a rectangular stainless metal case with rounded edges and a latched lid on each side, with the lids bearing a repeating key pattern. Within this metal case, are components for shaving.

Each lid is released via a round patterned knob on each short side. Opening one side of the case reveals a razor blade contained within a roller rack with attached operating handle - all nickel plated - designed to slide along a track. Employing a back and forward sliding action sharpens the razor against a red leather strop sheet attached to the inside of the opposite lid. The strop is impressed at one end 'Strop. Made in England'. Utilising the opposite lid brings the razor against a black honing stone. The blade is removable. A separate nickel plated razor handle is included in the case and can be stored either in the side channel, or (for travelling) attached to the strop handle. Both faces of the razor blade are hand engraved - 'Rolls Razor Pat Nos: '224578, 242718' appears on one side and 'Best Sheffield Steel' on the other.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1083464?

Historical information

Rolls Razor (1927) Ltd

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-124-2022.195
Item type
Objects
Material
Metal
Width
70 mm
Height or length
150 mm
Depth
20 mm
Inscriptions and markings

Metal case:
A small circular maker's impressed mark appears on each side, with one side reading 'Rolls Razor / The Whetter' accompanied by an image of a kneeling man sharpening a razor, while the other side reads: 'Rolls Razor (1927) Ltd / Made in England / Patented in England and Abroad / English Patents numbers: 108531, 184514, 184515, 184754, 224578, 242717, 242716 and pending". Additionally, one side of the case is engraved 'D015371'

Presentation box:
(a) Top of lid, image of a kneeling man sharpening a razor with the words "Rolls Razors"
(b) Inside lid, "Rolls Razor No.3. Imperial Model and one spare blade stainless metal case"
(c) Inside bottom of box, "Made in England. Rolls Razor Ltd. Cricklewood. London."

Reference: page from the original instruction booklet that outlines and names the parts. https://www.tomonagura.com/the-rolls-razor/rolls-razor-restoration.html

Place made
Cricklewood, London, United Kingdom
Year
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Last modified
Wednesday, 22 July, 2026
Completeness
100
Busselton Historical Society

Busselton Historical Society

Shaving set
Shaving set
Shaving set
Shaving set
Shaving set

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