Lot 92
An open razor Reputedly once the property of Robert Burns
Auction: 25 March 2009 at 11:00 GMT
Description
the tapering green stained cow horn handle with folding steel blade and rocaille embossed base metal terminal, contained within a vellum carrying case bearing an old paper label inscribed: 'Razor which belonged to Robt. Burns Poet'
Dimensions
razor: 2cm wide, 16cm long
Footnote
A handwritten note accompanying the razor reads:
"Testimony of Mr Alexander Hairdresser Irvine regarding the old razor which belonged to Robert Burns Ayrshire Poet:-
The razor was left by Burns in the house of Mrs Dunlop, Irvine. Mrs Dunlop's son gave the razor to Mr Mitchell who gave it to Mr McLintock Hairdresser Irvine. At the death of Mr McLintock his effects were sold by auction. I bought the above razor at the sale. Mr Alexander was apprentice to McLintock and stated to me that he often heard Mr Mitchell speak to Mr McLintock his late master about the history of the razor. Mr Alexander would have purchased it from me and I refused a handsome offer from an English Gentleman for it.
Geo H Silver"
Mrs Frances Dunlop of Irvine was one of Burns regular correspondents. She was born in 1730, daughter of Sir Thomas Wallace of Craigie, near Ayr. Following a number of family problems, culminating in the death of her husband John (from Dunlop, near Kilmarnock), Frances Dunlop was at a low point when a friend gave her a copy of the Burns poem, "The Cotter's Saturday Night". It had such an impact on her that she wrote to the poet, ordering six copies of the Kilmarnock Edition.
A strong friendship developed, clearly demonstrated in the number of letters written. The relationship was not based merely on her curiosity of the farmer poet, or his 'star' image. Frances Anna Dunlop genuinely respected Burns. The feeling was mutual and he trusted her views. She assumed the role of providing critical appraisal on his work and advice on his direction in life.
According to the note, Mrs Dunlop's son gave the razor to a Mr Mitchell who in turn gave it to a Mr McLintock. On McLintock's death his personal effects were auctioned and a Mr Silver purchased the razor. It has remained in the Silver family until the present day.