Vintage price

So, as of late I have been pursuing Ebay in the search for vintage razors, and while I have seen some for, what I think, are decent prices, some are, well, well outside of my price range.

For example, I found Gillette Aristocrat with the case and in "mint' condition for $269 US!  Sick  AND now!  I find one that is in even worse condition and is prices at $400 US!

This got me thinking; what do people here think are good prices for different vintage razors?  I know a few of you have some, and I have one in the mail, but for those who are new to buying vintage razors(myself included), perhaps we can help them out when they are looking for one online?

Best bet is to research the active BST, and go through the BST archives. Sellers are SUPPOSED to leave their sold prices in the ad for people like you researching resale prices. While they (prices) may not always be reasonable, if the item sold at a given price....then it must have been reasonable enough for someone.

Pricing of any antique/vintage piece can be difficult. It always depends upon the rarify of the specific model, its age, its condition and any special attributes such as a celebrity owner or gold plating that might affect its value. There are even some razors made of Sterling silver or 24K gold.

Some recent razors such as the Wolfman produced in titanium can sell for well above $1000. Editions that have become collectors items can sell for significantly higher prices.

The value of any item is always in the eye of the beholder. If you want something bad enough to pay the asking price and you won't have to dip into your kid's college savings or your retirement funds to obtain it, then go for it. However, always look at opportunity costs: how else could you have used those same funds?

In addition to all the points Ray makes, there is always a fluctuation in prices to consider. There will be times prices drop for various reasons and other times they rise for the same reasons. Number of people seeking said razor, what the economy is doing etc etc etc. Try to buy in the lulls and sell when it crests. I saw prices higher than usual for a couple razors recently and sold a couple I could live without as I'd enjoyedthem enough and wanted to thin down some.

Prices do fluctuate, then there are those sellers who want to make a killing or don't really know what they have for sale.  As mentioned above, check the BST for sold prices and besides the Bay, look on Etsy.  When looking for a specific razor, take your time, do your research, it will pay off in the end.  For the prices you mentioned I have seen reconditioned and re-plated Aristocrats.

If you’re not fussed about original condition then go and buy a razor that’s in rough shape and have it reconditioned. There are some talented craftsmen out there who can make some of these old razors better than new. I don’t know if you’d come out ahead but it’s an option.

So, as of late I have been pursuing Ebay in the search for vintage razors, and while I have seen some for, what I think, are decent prices, some are, well, well outside of my price range. . . .

What plans do you have for vintage razors?

• Put them on display to admire?
  
• Buy them as an investment to be sold years later?
  
• Shave with them?
  

If it's the third option, don't pay a premium price for razor with its original case just because of the case.

What Marko said is something to consider too, and you may be able to make it presentable on your own.

I found this frankenrazor at a flea market in a shoebox with four other razors for CAD$30 altogether. It was the least attractive of the lot.

It's a Canadian Reverse-stud Gillette Goodwill with a Soluna (Soviet-era Czech-made) aluminum handle.
I polished the head down to the bare brass with a Dremel and some buffing compound, and bought a brass reproduction ball-end handle for it.
It's a pretty good razor now, and maybe my third-favourite open comb razor.

So, as of late I have been pursuing Ebay in the search for vintage razors, and while I have seen some for, what I think, are decent prices, some are, well, well outside of my price range. . . .

What plans do you have for vintage razors?

• Put them on display to admire?
  
• Buy them as an investment to be sold years later?
  
• Shave with them?
  

If it's the third option, don't pay a premium price for razor with its original case just because of the case.

What Marko said is something to consider too, and you may be able to make it presentable on your own.

I found this frankenrazor at a flea market in a shoebox with four other razors for CAD$30 altogether. It was the least attractive of the lot.

It's a Canadian Reverse-stud Gillette Goodwill with a Soluna (Soviet-era Czech-made) aluminum handle.
I polished the head down to the bare brass with a Dremel and some buffing compound, and bought a brass reproduction ball-end handle for it.
It's a pretty good razor now, and maybe my third-favourite open comb razor.

That is always an option too! Can you show us the after pictures of this razor?