Creator:
Geo. Wostenholm & Son
Location:
Sheffield, England
Origin Date:
1800-1860
Materials:
metal, wood
Measurements:
overall: 9 5/8 in x 5/8 in x .25 cm
Item ID:
71.2009.082.0720a-c
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Three-dimensional Objects

Description

a) This razor was part of Civil War soldier John E. Wilkins' mess kit. The engraved inscription on the blade reads, "The original and only genuine pipe razor manufactured solely by Geo. Wostenholm & Son. Mark granted A.D. 1694." The shank of the blade has a pipe engraved on it. On the verso of the shank the inscription reads, "Geo. Wostenholm & Son, manufacturers of the original and true [pipe] razor, Sheffield, England." The blade is attached to a wooden handle into which the blade fits when not in use. b) The razor was contained in what is probably an unrelated box with the long part labled "Wadsworth Razor Co., XLNT." c) The lid reads "Price $300, Germany." For more information see the curated grouping, "A Civil War Soldier: John E. Wilkins of Vigo County, Indiana" on the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection website at http://www.lincolncollection.org/collection/curated-groupings/category/john-e-wilkins/ Several more items from Wilkins' military service are in this collection: Zouave jacket, 71.2009.082.0522 Officer's sash, 71.2009.082.0700 Epaulets, 71.2009.082.0715 Part of a sword belt, 71.2009.082.0716 Belt and buckle, 71.2009.082.0717 Mess kit spoon, 71.2009.082.0719 Morely & Sons Silver Steel Razors 71.2009.082.0721a-c Civil War blanket pin, 71.2009.082.0718 Crepe worn during Lincoln's funeral events, 71.2009.082.0048 John E. Wilkins photograph, later in life, LN-2595 1855 Indiana State Fair ribbon, 71.2009.082.0208 1860 Indiana State Fair ribbon, 71.2009.082.0209 Three volume diary and other paper artifacts are housed at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum