Description: This very rare Apollo straight razor is NOS (new old stock) and comes with the original box and paperwork. Plastic scales and blade are in "like new" condition with minimal pits from casting and pivot scuffs on the tang in the usual place from opening and closing. The figured spine has a rough sort of cast appearance as opposed to laser etched or CNC cut as with more modern razors. The contrast coloring of the worked spine appears to be a rough gun black finish. Blade logo appears to be gold electroplating "SILVER STEEL" with logo matching the one on the box. The tang is clearly stamped Apollo with a different logo and "BEST STEEL" on the show side and nothing written on the back side. This is a large blade that feels hefty in the hand and for those who shave both sides of the face with the same hand an extra-long tail makes for a very comfortable and secure grip you will greatly appreciate. Honed for a nice smooth shave using a progression ending with a Saxonian stone (like a hard Frankonian) and a few gentle strokes on a Chromium Oxide treated balsa strop. Blade pivots snugly and closes in the center of the scales as shown in the photos. Research indicates the brand Apollo was used by multiple manufacturers spanning 1890 - 1925,1943, 1950, 1956. Normally I would not procure a straight razor that does not bear a stamp with the country of origin but this Apollo was a very special find I could not pass over. The paper appears to be written in English and German. It is unusual to see a Solingen razor without Solingen or Germany stamped on the tang. Also interesting that the instructions promote the use of a Russian Leather strop. The following are my opinions: 1 -My guess perhaps these were "secretly" manufactured in Germany for the Russian market during a time close to the war and there were political reasons to avoid using the stamp "Solingen" or "Germany". They were manufactured in Solingen Germany after June 1941 when Germany invaded Russia. The Solingen brand was not placed on the tang to protect the manufacturer who still wanted to continue trade with the Russian customer. or 2 - They were more than 15% manufactured in Russia (maybe only the blanks) and then ground and finished in Solingen. According to German law only goods that were over 85% manufactured in Solingen were permitted to carry the Solingen mark. or 3 - They were manufactured in Russia as counterfeit Solingen razors for sale to an Englishs peaking market. (but then wouldn't there be a Solingen stamp) Having handled a few straights made of inferior steel and without country stamps I can say it is obvious when you find one of those and this Apollo definitely is not in that camp. or 4 - They were manufactured in Solingen for the German market using razor blanks that were made outside of Solingen and so cannot carry the Solingen mark and the suggestion to use Russian Leather is simply because the thicker Russian hides made for very good strops. In any case it is very interesting to see some connection between Germany, Russia and markets where the primary language was German or English. Buyer may be charged taxes or other fees by eBay. International shipping costs (other than the USA) require the use of the eBay shipping calculator. Due to the Canada Post strike Fedex International Priority - International (Non-US)is currently the only international shipping option and that is forcing a flat rate. UPS presents as a shipping option in revise listing but no UPS appears in the shipping calculator. Please message me with your non-USA address for a shipping estimate using:Fedex International Priority - International (Non-US). Shipping to the USA is 22.00 CAD flat rate via UPS.
Price: 329 CAD
Location: Fairview
End Time: 2024-11-27T00:39:40.000Z
Shipping Cost: 15.37 CAD
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