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Casanova

Just for a little more food for thought.

"Simone", an Italian, posts on another shaving forum. She states (and I apologize for taking the liberty of quoting her) that the razor we are describing here as a Casanova 930 (or Radar) was also branded C.A.V.A. and "definitely made by Benz".

She also states "in the Fascist period the Duce began to have the company I.T.A.L.I.A. produce razors in autarkic fashion. Industria Torinese Laminated Steel Articles included Lama Italia razors, Ramir, Mirabilia, Casanova 930, Nova, Alita, Alma Cesia and respective blades".

The Casanova 930 razor shown above was made by I.T.A.L.I.A. (Industria Torinese Articoli Laminati In Acciaio). The case tells us so.

For me, the question remains: Did Paolo Baenziger make the Casanova 930 before I.T.A.L.I.A. got involved?

And: Is Paolo Baenziger responsible for all the razors we've been discussing on this thread?
 
Hopefully I'm not beating a dead horse here but here's another thought: C.A.V.A also plays into this.

The three razors shown above as Benz, Radar and Metropolis were also at times branded C.A.V.A.

I.T.A.L.I.A sold the Casanova 930 razor, that much we know. However, there's not much information on I.T.A.L.I.A. at all. It's been commented that I.T.A.L.I.A. was put together by Benito Mussolini. Mussolini was deposed in 1943. Perhaps I.T.A.L.I.A. ended then too?

In any event, a razor remarkably like the Casanova 930 appears thereafter. Here's some ads purportedly from 1946 and 1947. Also a photo of what is purported to be a C.A.V.A razor. The interesting points for me are: it has a Radar/Casanova 930 type head, a handle associated with Baenziger's other offerings, was branded as C.A.V.A., and, some of the other offerings sold by Baenziger were also branded C.A.V.A. And, at least one person has commented that C.A.V.A was made by Benz. Hardly conclusive research but its something.

From all of this speculation I take:

1. It's not clear what the relationship between C.A.V.A. and Paolo Baenziger was, but there's something. The ads here mention "Cugionni di Carlo". Not sure who or what he or that is. But one of the ads mentions a Radar razor, taking us back to Baenziger...

2. Bottom LIne for vintage shaving buffs: If you want to have a "Casanova 930" razor but need one that accepts standard blades there appears to be two options. Look for a "Radar" or a "C.A.V.A." But make sure it's the right razor! Both names were also put onto other razors.

I took the ads from the net. I borrowed the photo from website rasage-traditionnel. I quoted a person from another shaving forum. My apologies. But I figure we're all in this together for the same reasons.

s-l1600.jpegs-l1600b.jpegcava2.jpeg
 
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I'm going to split this thread. A very interesting discussion that deserves more visibility than it gets hidden in a Casanova-thread. Even in a low-volume forum like this. Meanwhile, please go on, won't get to it until tomorrow at the earliest.
 
I think I'm done for now other than to say that I know that I've seen the Benz, Radar and Metropolis razors that are shown on this thread as also being branded a C.A.V.A. But it would be nice to add a photo of this, to tie up a loose end. I'll do that if I come across one or perhaps another enthusiast has one available. Thanks Richard.
 
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