Images(2)

Blade, Razor

Object number2018.105.26 a-i

Manufacturer Autostrop Safety Razor Company, Inc.

MediumCardboard; Metal; Paper; Ink

Credit LineGift of Patty Sims

DescriptionCardboard box with five razor blades and three envelopes. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 1.875 × 0.938 × 0.5 in. (4.8 × 2.4 × 1.3 cm)
Height x Width (b): 1.563 × 0.813 in. (4 × 2.1 cm)
Height x Width (c): 1.563 × 0.75 in. (4 × 1.9 cm)
Height x Width (d): 1.563 × 0.813 in. (4 × 2.1 cm)
Height x Width (e): 1.563 × 0.75 in. (4 × 1.9 cm)
Height x Width (f): 1.563 × 0.75 in. (4 × 1.9 cm)
Height x Width (g): 1.563 × 1.813 in. (4 × 4.6 cm)
Height x Width (h): 1.563 × 0.75 in. (4 × 1.9 cm)
Height x Width (i): 1.563 × 0.75 in. (4 × 1.9 cm)
Inscriptions(a) Front side of box reads: "VALET / AutoStrop / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / BLADES / U.S.A PATENT NOS. 1,088,220 - 1,639,335". Opposite side reads: "GENUINE / VALET AutoStrop BLADES / NOW HAVE / VALET / CUT THROUGH THE BLADE". "10 BLADES $1.00" printed on flaps.

(b) "VALET / Auto Strop / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / BLADE / INSERT BLADE INTO HOLDER / BEFORE WIPING OFF GREASE" printed on front of envelope.

(c) "VALET" across blade.

(d) "VALET / Auto Strop / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / BLADE / INSERT BLADE INTO HOLDER / BEFORE WIPING OFF GREASE" printed on front of envelope.

(e) "VALET" across blade.

(f) "VALET" across blade.

(g) "VALET / Auto Strop / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / BLADE / INSERT BLADE INTO HOLDER / BEFORE WIPING OFF GREASE" printed on front of envelope.

(h) "VALET" across blade.

(i) "VALET" across blade.
Marks(a) Bottom and top sides of boxes reads: "AUTOSTROP SAFETY RAZOR CO. INC. NEW YORK / LONDON - PARIS - TORONTO - RIO DE JANEIRO".

(b) AUTOSTROP SAFETY RAZOR CO. INC / NEW YORK - U.S.A. / U.S.A. PATENTS / NOS. 1,088,220 - 1,639,335" printed on envelope flap. Red text along bottom edge reads: "New! / VALET AUTOSTROP BLADE".

(d) AUTOSTROP SAFETY RAZOR CO. INC / NEW YORK - U.S.A. / U.S.A. PATENTS / NOS. 1,088,220 - 1,639,335" printed on envelope flap. Red text along bottom edge reads: "New! / VALET AUTOSTROP BLADE".

(g) AUTOSTROP SAFETY RAZOR CO. INC / NEW YORK - U.S.A. / U.S.A. PATENTS / NOS. 1,088,220 - 1,639,335" printed on envelope flap. Red text along bottom edge reads: "New! / VALET AUTOSTROP BLADE".
Historical NotesThis box of razor blades was stored in a steamer trunk that was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. This steamer trunk was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. The donor’s father, James Hahn was close to the Ferrara family and, when the parents passed away, he continued to help daughters Jo and Dolly who never married. After they died, the donor and her father cleaned out the house and discovered this trunk and its contents. The trunk belonged to the Ferarra’s cousin, Domenico Ferrara. Originally from Rivisondoli in the province of L’Aquila, he lived in various places around Pittsburgh, as well as Detroit and Atlanta, before moving in with his relatives at 1431 Denniston Ave in the early 1950s. Untouched since Domenico’s death in the 1970s, the trunk contained many items that offered clues about his life. He served in WWI for the United States, was a tailor by profession, and invested in the stock market, which financed his travels around the U.S.

Previous owner Domenico Ferrara

Related person Jo Ferrara

Related person Dolly Ferrara

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