Walbusch / Walter Busch & Sohn

[efsk]

Zorro, Eros, Mirabilia from Italy all used this B3-head. The PAA Alpha Ecliptic is a copy of an unbranded razor, of which I have one, that I believe to be a predecessor of the B3.

Eros:

Mirabilia:

B3-predecessor of which the PAA Alpha Ecliptic is a copy:

 

[benedetto]

The Walbusch B5 represents for many collectors the Rolls Royce of adjustable razors, it is one of the rarest and most appreciated razors of all time. Its design, its history, its robustness for me are incomparable.

This set that I came across is in extraordinary condition. Look for such a complete set with accessories such as the cardboard box, the instructions, the warranty card (1 year from the date of sale), the instructions (original and non-copy), the two "Flexi" blade packs and "Super Flexi" in cellophane, the case without cracks and the razor in fantastic condition.

The old owner told me it's NOS but I'm not sure about that.

The Walbusch B5 is the fusion of two successful razors: the Merkur Progress and the Walbusch.

Intuition is undoubtedly brilliant to combine Walbusch's head with Merkur's Progress adjustment.

Some variations are made with respect to the Merkur. Progress comes from the ring that stops at the adjustment pawl that is not present in the Walbusch B5 safety razor. Perhaps to better facilitate cleaning inside the handle.

The Walbusch B5 is available in 3 versions: Standard Set (like the one shown in the photo), Gold Set (like Richard's), Travel Set (in leather bag complete with mirror, brush and soap stick).

It is very common for the handle to blacken over time, this does not affect the integrity of this fantastic razor! Personally I love to have all my razors always in great shape ! I wash and rinse them with demineralized water, remove them, oil the gears. But it must be said that not all collectors like me do it others prefer the originality of the razor (including oxide ).

PS: I advise collectors like me to have very useful information on products to be used to wash their beloved razors. Using polishing cream is not always advisable as it is absolutely not recommended to use tools such as dremel !!! If you have never completely (completely) dismantled razors like Mikron or Walbusch B5 or Merkur Progress, don't do it! (if you want with the help of users I will create a message with some useful tips).


Thank you

Benedetto.

 

[efsk]

Nice presentation @benedetto !

There's a Walbusch patent describing the adjustment mechanism of the B5, see https://razors.page/patents/DE669899/
I am not sure of this is also the patent used by the Progress.
Regardless of casing, there's three versions I'e seen for the B5: Silver/Brown, Gold/Cream, Silver/Cream. Still searching the latter

 

[benedetto]

Nice presentation @benedetto !

There's a Walbusch patent describing the adjustment mechanism of the B5, see https://razors.page/patents/DE669899/
I am not sure of this is also the patent used by the Progress.
Regardless of casing, there's three versions I'e seen for the B5: Silver/Brown, Gold/Cream, Silver/Cream. Still searching the latter

Dear @efsk , Walbusch to create his B5 was inspired by the Merkur Progress which was already on sale for a long time in Germany (see https://razors.click/patents/DE483501/DE483501.pdf) the Walbusch B5 has a patent separately registered in 1937 (https://razors.page/patents/DE669899/) while the Merkur patent is dated 4 October 1929 that is 8 years earlier ... Walbusch using his patented head (https://razors.page/ patents / GB469720/) had to use a new patent by force .. the regulation system is the same even if the head changes. The "Progress" was inspired by the first generation Mikron, the first ever adjustable razor to use a numbered pawl for adjustment. The Walbusch B5 is still the son of Merkur Progress like all grandchildren of his grandfather Mikron. As for the versions of the Walbusch B5 I am curious to see them personally in some photos, Walbusch's order catalogs do not show these versions of which you speak.

 

[efsk]

Thanks for that info @benedetto. Some interesting genealogy.
The Silver/Cream B5 was in eBay auction 274040729570, last October.

 

[benedetto]

Thanks for that info @benedetto. Some interesting genealogy.
The Silver/Cream B5 was in eBay auction 274040729570, last October.

Could you insert the photos? I can't see the auction.

 

[efsk]

I know, that's my problem too. I saved the auction, not the pics, that was not enough I now see. Unfortunately I got outbid, it got sold for over €750.

Edit: did a quick search: you can find one at https://www.gut-rasiert.de/forum/index.php/topic,7188.msg143122.html#msg143122

 

[efsk]

Recently acquired, a Walbusch B3 with original shipper. Note how the shipper calls it the 1935 model. One side not shown, as it's identical to the other.

 

[benedetto]

I know, that's my problem too. I saved the auction, not the pics, that was not enough I now see. Unfortunately I got outbid, it got sold for over €750.

Edit: did a quick search: you can find one at https://www.gut-rasiert.de/forum/index.php/topic,7188.msg143122.html#msg143122

yes, unfortunately these razors are very much sought after and expensive .. a short time ago I participated in an auction for a travel set .. it was sold for over € 900 .. and the razor also had part of the cracked comb.

 

[benedetto]

Yes I also participated, then I left because I already had another in progress ..

 

[efsk]

The Walbus

 

[efsk]

Finally managed to acquire the Silver/White version of the Walbusch B5

And a bonus pic: the happy trio

 

[benedetto]

Finalmente è riuscito ad acquisire la versione Silver/White del Walbusch B5
View attachment 24634View attachment 24635View attachment 24636View attachment 24637View attachment 24638 [ALLEGARE=completo]24639[/ALLEGARE]

E una foto bonus: il trio felice
[ALLEGARE=completo]24640[/ALLEGARE]

Absolutely fantastic Richard and it is also in great condition! Where did you manage to find him? I hope that one day I will be able to get it too ...

 

[efsk]

Thanks Benedetto! I am absolutely very happy with it, and can’t believe I managed to get it. For some reason this managed to stay under a lot of radars when it showed up on eBay.

 

[benedetto]

@efsk i'm sorry i lost it .. i'm expecting a little girl and lately i'm very distracted by this and i put aside my hobby a bit .. hahahaha anyway i'm glad you managed to get it! is in good hands

 

[efsk]

You are forgiven being distracted by having a baby Benedetto. Besides: that offered me the chance of getting this

 

[Dragonrazor]

Does anyone know which version was the inspiration for the PAA reboot “The Artifact”?

 

[efsk]

The artifact is to the best of my knowledge not based on any Walbusch razor. PAA claims the Alpha Ecliptic is based on a Walbusch, but I have never seen the original in a Walbusch catalogue, or as a Walbusch branded razor. Only as an unbranded razor. Doesn't mean it can't be possible, but I've no info apart from their claim to verify.

 

[Dragonrazor]

Sorry I actually meant the Ecliptic. Thanks for the answer.

 

[benedetto]

Hello Collectors!
I finally managed to find this newer travel set as well than the brown one...

with its cheapest model...

all together passionately..

One of the most beautiful things about this brand is the extraordinary publicity they dedicated to the razors for sale. with brochures with a postal card, anyone could buy Walusch products... I have a nice collection of these brochures

timeless B5...

Saluti.
Benedetto