Rockingham Works 1809(1815) - 1848.
Washington Works  1848 - 1978.

George Wostenholm became a Freeman in 1826 and was granted the maker's mark - I*XL - a mark originally granted to William A.Smith at 29th June, 1787.  The I*XL letters are pronounced phonetically "I excel" .

Post WWII George Wostenholm's Washington Works was poorly positioned for the improving economic picture of the 1950's and 60's; part of the factory was destroyed in the war by a German bomb. At this time pressure was also growing from far eastern manufacturers which would eventually close the doors of the century old Washington Works. Wostenholm made aquisitions in 1961 e.g. Champion owned by Christopher Johnson - to bolster the companies prowess in the market, in this case with shears. In 1971 Wostenholm was purchased by Joseph Rodgers and the new company, Rodgers-Wostenholm, moved to Guernsey Road. In 1975 this joint firm was bought by Richards, which in turn was purchased by Imperial Knife in 1977. Imperial Knife an American firm based in New York made no money on their investment and by 1983 the Richards-Rodgers-Wostenholm group was bankrupt. Washington Works and the company records had been demolished in 1978; the end of 179 years of operation.

This razor is restored using it's original scales and lead wedge.  All rust was removed from the blade and the razor was brought to a high polish.  I love the elegant hump to the shank, sweep of the tang and information rich makers mark and beautiful blade etching informing you of the razor's origin, the Washington Works factory. the razor's toe has an elegant barber's notch.

The scale set, original to the razor was thuroughly cleaned and sanded by hand to preserve it's aesthetic quality while removing any major imperfections.  The "Hollow Ground" engraving on the scales was blackened to create a focal point.  The original lead wedge was reused and brass pins were set to preserved the history of this pre WWII English steel. 

All razors arrive to your door expertly honed, sterilized and shave ready. 

Happy shaving!