Vintage Valet Autostrop razor

Ok we should hopefully be now back up and running after a brief hiatus due to technical difficulties!

As a fan of all things mechanical and old/vintage then it was only a matter of time before I discovered old shaving razors.

I got my first old razor a while ago now contained within a gentleman's travel shaving set and being curious I had to try it using the original 1960's blades,....and I am still here to tell the tale and not a hint of tetanus!

Anyway as a collector you'll know how these things go, one leads to two to three and so on til you've loads of the things!

Here's a Valet 'Autostrop' I found recently as an example, it was virtually mint/NOS complete in it's plated box with unused horsehide strop, unopened blades and instructions, after buying one, reading up a bit and trying to shave with the thing I bought another and another and I know it won't be the last as when set up correctly they are great shavers!

Two Valet's after cleaning, a silver plated Canadian VC1/Model B and a chrome plated English made VC3, both use different blade retaining systems. 

Canadian silver plated VC1/Model B

Canadian VC1/Model B showing '1907 PATENT' markings.

Side view

Blade holder housing on VC1 Model B

Side view showing stropping gears.

Rear view of English made VC3

Blade retaining system on VC3 

VC3 with handle unscrewed.

Side view of VC3.

The two Valet's as found and an old Personna 'double edged'.

The VC1 Model B as found in it's box with strop and blade holder.

Not too pretty was it?

Fancy shaving with it?.....no neither did I!

Hmm!

And the worst of the lot!

The English made VC3 wasn't quite so bad but still needed a clean!

The one that started it all an English made rhodium plated VC2.

With instructions removed.

The contents unpacked...razor, strop, NOS blades in holder and instructions.

And I found this lurking immaculate original makers stamp under the backing card!