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A very interesting historical Dutch straight razor connected with H.D.M. Hofstede, Instrumentmaker, Leeuwarden.
The blade is clearly marked:
250 H.D.M. HOFSTEDE
LEEUWARDEN
The original black presentation box is also marked:
H.D.M. Hofstede
Instrumentmaker
Leeuwarden
Historical background
H.D.M. Hofstede was an established instrument maker and medical/instrument supplier in Leeuwarden. A surviving 1933 customer file in the Solingen City Archives documents Fa. H.D.M. Hofstede, Leeuwarden as a customer of Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn, the historic Solingen steel and cutlery manufacturer. The archive describes the file as concerning purchases of small quantities of knives and scissors.
Because of this documented business relationship, the blade of this razor is very likely associated with Solingen production and may have been made from/supplied as Solingen steel by Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn for H.D.M. Hofstede. However, the surviving documentation does not conclusively prove that Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn manufactured this exact razor, so this attribution is presented as a well-supported possibility rather than a certainty.
The “250” marking appears to be a blade/model or pattern number. The exact meaning of No. 250 has not been conclusively established.
Razor
- Type: Antique straight razor / open razor
- Marking: 250 H.D.M. HOFSTEDE LEEUWARDEN
- Dealer / instrument maker: H.D.M. Hofstede
- Location: Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- Possible origin of blade: Solingen, Germany
- Possible steel/manufacturer connection: Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn
- Original presentation box included
- Black scales
- Vintage steel blade
- Traditional hollow-ground style
- Folding straight razor
Condition
The razor shows genuine age and signs of previous use.
The blade has visible patina, oxidation, scratches and wear from age and sharpening. The scales also show age-related wear and surface marks. The original box is worn, with scuffs, losses and edge wear, but the H.D.M. Hofstede markings remain clearly visible.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs show the actual razor and original box included in the sale.
This is an antique collector's razor and is being sold in its present vintage condition. It has not been professionally restored or honed for shaving.
A particularly interesting piece for collectors of antique straight razors, Dutch instrument makers, Leeuwarden history and Solingen cutlery.
