Antique Kampfe Bros Star Safety Razor set in an elegant box from J. Tresch, cutler, Zurich I. The set contains a razor, two blade boxes and further accessories. The condition is consistent with its age, with signs of use and wear on the box. The metal parts show patina. A historical collector’s item. Please refer to the attached pictures for details. Sold as pictured.

The razor is a so-called “Lather Catcher” from the famous American pioneers Kampfe Bros. of New York, USA. The Kampfe brothers invented the first functional safety razor in the USA in 1880.
• Awards: The medals won are proudly embossed on the back: Highest Paris 1900 Award and Pan American 1901 Award. This proves that this specific set was manufactured after 1901.
• International patents: Patent dates for the USA are engraved (including 1888, 1901 and 1902), together with references to patents granted in England, France, Italy and Germany.
• Special feature: The beautiful, delicate handle is decorated with the typical small stars embossed all around it (matching the brand name “Star”).

2. The Swiss seller (picture 3)

The label inside the lid reveals the secret of how this New York luxury set came to Switzerland:
• “J. Tresch, cutler, ZÜRICH I.”
• At the time, in the early 20th century, the set was imported through this Zurich specialist dealer for fine cutlery and knives and sold as an exclusive weekly set to affluent Swiss customers.

Condition & collector’s value

Such 7-day sets by Kampfe Bros. are highly sought after among collectors. As the razor, richly decorated handle, weekday sliders and original case from the Swiss importer are present, this is a historically valuable testament to early shaving culture.