Tout est dans le titre , arnaque ?
Le prix est ahurissant, mais voici le récit que nous propose le vendeur,
Quel est votre avis ?
"I recently purchased this Straight razor along with 11 others at a Farm Estate Auction here in Indiana with the intent of refurbishing them for current use.
After close examination, I noticed that “J James Kearney MO” had been carved into the horn scales (handle).
During past auctions, after purchasing family bibles, personal antique items; I have always researched the names with the hope of returning these personal items to their families. I'm happy to say that I've been able to do this on several occasions.
When I noticed the name, town and state carved on to the scales of this straight razor; I attempted to do the same. Since I had never heard of Kearney, MO; I knew it must be a smaller town and felt chances were good that I might be able to find a descendent to return this razor to.
Needless to say, I was very surprised when I researched Kearney, MO and read that their favorite son was none other than Jesse James.
Please Note:
As this item was purchased at a Farm Estate Auction; proof positive provenance (chain of ownership) that this straight razor did belong to Jesse James is far beyond my research capabilities.
After a lot of research I am able to offer the following that offers a convincing argument of its potential:
The straight razors age fits the timeline of Jesse James life to his death.
It was manufactured by GEORGE WOSTENHOLM & SON" WASHINGTON WORKS.
The design of the blade is a Square or Spike point with a slightly hollow spine and is a Half Hollow grind.
Based on the manufactures markings on the tang, blade design and black horn scales; this straight razor dates from 1847 to early 1880.
In 1863 Union soldiers visited the James farm located in Kearny, MO. While seeking information about Confederate guerrilla bands operating in the area, the soldiers injured Jesse James and threatened his family. Shortly after this incident, Jesse James age 16, joined his brother, Frank who was a member of the guerrilla unit led by William “Bloody Bill” Anderson.
At the end of the Civil War in 1865, while attempting to surrender to Union Cavalrymen; Jesse James was shot and return to the family homestead in Kearney, MO to recover from his wound.
On April 24, 1874 Jesse James married his first cousin, Zerelda Zee Mimms at the Kearney, MO homestead.
On April 3, 1882, Jesse James was killed by Robert Ford. Shortly thereafter his body was taken back to the Kearney, MO homestead for burial.
While handwritten examples of Jesse James are extremely rare, it seems that he more often limited his signature to J James, similar to the carving on this straight razor.
Evaluating this straight razor based on its own merits; The possible use and ownership by an important historical figure based on the age/period of the piece and the unique aesthetic qualities (name and location carved into the scales): its actual veracity does offer interesting possibilities.
From my research and based on my personal opinion; I would offer that it’s possible this straight razor belonged to Jesse James. However I feel there is a much higher probability that the carving of J James may have been done by his mother Zerelda or possible his brother Frank and sold as a souvenir.
I say this because of the I numerous historical documentations showing both Zerelda and Frank earned extra money by selling everything from pebbles taken from Jesse’s grave site to giving tours of the family homestead in Kearney, MO."
Sujet: CC de J.James 
Ven 17 Mai 2013 - 16:21
