Trash or treasure?

Hannah Giblin

My group, known collectively as the Ladybugs, worked mainly on OA2, which was the midden of BcGn-15. This means it is, in essence, the garbage pit. This may sound unfortunate, but much can be learned from this kind of unit. Many objects used and discarded by the household end up here. One of the coolest finds from our unit is a brass razor handle from a 1912 patented Ever Ready Brass Safety Razor. When we discovered it, the brass-coloured handle was immediately striking. We all marvelled over how bright it was in contrast to the soil.

Once it was cleaned, the brass was even more apparent, though! Despite being buried for decades, the handle is remarkably well-preserved.

Ever Ready brand was an American company known for razors that were considered safer and more durable than straight razors, as they jumped on the invention of the safety razor blade in the early 1900s, making them an increasingly popular alternative. The handle features an ornate Art Deco design, with a geometric motif adorning it, popular in the 1930s. Although lost to us, the razor would have once had a detachable head included that screwed on to hold the disposable razor blade.

While conducting research into the razor handle, I discovered that there is a widespread online community of people who use vintage razors. The Ever Ready Safety Razor is highly recommended and sought after within these circles to this day. It is incredible to think that the homeowner discarded it and now, over a century later, people are trying desperately to locate one. One man’s trash really is another man’s treasure!