Rolls Razor Imperial No 2 Value Guide

The Rolls Razor Imperial No 2 is a marvel of British engineering, marketed as a lifetime shaving solution thanks to its permanent hollow-ground steel blade. It is highly collectible for its sophisticated mechanical case that integrates both a whetstone and a leather strop, representing a peak in early 20th-century grooming innovation.

What Is Rolls Razor Imperial No 2 Worth?

The typical price range for Rolls Razor Imperial No 2 is $25 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the leather strop, as dried or cracked leather significantly reduces the kit's functional and resale value.
• The integrity of the honing stone; any chips or cracks in the whetstone lower the desirability for collectors.
• Completeness of the set, including the original cardboard outer box and instructional paperwork.
• Mechanical functionality of the handle and oscillating stropping mechanism within the metal housing.

How to Identify Rolls Razor Imperial No 2?

• Check for the 'Imperial No 2' branding stamped into the nickel-plated brass exterior case.
• Verify the presence of the heavy, wedge-shaped hollow-ground steel blade rather than a disposable thin blade.
• Inspect the interior lid and base to ensure the original honing stone and leather strop are still intact and attached.
• Look for the 'Made in England' hallmark and patent dates originating from Lee Rhodes' 1916 design.

History of Rolls Razor Imperial No 2

Marketed as the razor that would last a lifetime, the Rolls Razor was first patented in 1916 by Lee Rhodes. It revolutionized shaving by including a permanent, heavy hollow-ground steel blade that did not need to be replaced, instead relying on an integrated whetstone and leather strop built into the carrying case.