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Trade Sign - Straight Razor
Trade Sign - Straight Razor
Trade Sign - Straight Razor

Trade Sign - Straight Razor

Maker
Periodca. 1905 - 1920
MediumPine
DimensionsOpen: 4 × 43.75 × 2.5 in. (10.2 × 111.1 × 6.4 cm)
ClassificationsAdvertising, Business & Ornamental Artifacts
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object number1983.402
DescriptionAn advertising sign made of pine that resembles a folding straight razor. The handle and blade are separate pieces pinned together with a dowel. The blade, painted gray, swings out of the hollow part of the handle, which is painted black. A stenciled griffin near the handle connection point is flanked by the words "Trade" and "Mark." The blade bears the name "Carbo-Magnetic" surrounded by electric bolts. Underneath is the inscription, "Trade Mark / Reg. U. S. Pat. Off."
NotesAlbert L. Silberstein of New York founded a cutlery works in New York City in 1888. He trademarked the term "Carbo-Magnetic" in 1905. Silberstein had come up with a straight razor which was tempered using electric heat instead of gas or coal. The result was a blade of hardened carbon steel. In that day, the words "electricity" and "magnetism" were considered futuristic terms, hence the name of the product. Silberstein's advertising made such claims as "No Honing," "No Grinding," "Always Ready for Instant Use," and "One Razor Lasts a Lifetime." Prices ranged from $2.50 for a full hollow ground blade, or $3.00 for a double concave blade for individuals with heavy beards. A set of two razors in a leather case could be purchased for $5.50, and a special carbo-magnetic strop for $1.00. Silberstein's business was located initially at 445-447 Broadway in New York City. The firm moved later to 74 - 76 Fifth AVenue, and finally to 151 W. 19th Street in 1920. Silberstein traded under the name of Griffon Cutlery Works, resulting in the depiction of a griffon etched onto the blades along with the Carbo-Magnetic name. Later, the firm also manufactured the razors in Solingen, Germany. Griffon Cutlery Works, later renamed Griffon Cutlery Corp., remained on W. 19th Street until 1968. In addition to razors, the firm also sold nail files, tweezers, nippers, manicure sets, scissors, and pinking shears.
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