Rasoir droit

Heritage Auctions	Lot 57067	Exceedingly Rare and Historic Relic- Shaving Kit


Exquisite Maroon Moroccan Leather Cased Shaving Kit with Two Razors and a Strop. "Generallisimo Manuel Fernandez Castrillon" and "Found After The Battle At San Jacinto - 1836 Given to Colonel Thomas Rusk By His Men" are found engraved on a 5/8" X 4½" silver plaque affixed to the top of the lid, surround by gilt embossing. Absolutely authentic and of the period. On April 21, 1836, with the resounding battle cry "Remember the Alamo", 900 Texans commanded by Sam Houston, overwhelmed and annihilated 1400 Mexicans under the command of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and Gen. Manuel Castrillon. The Texans lost a total of nine men killed, while the Mexicans, during the battle and in the revenge fueled killing frenzy that followed, lost 630 killed, including Gen. Castrillon, and 730 captured, including Santa Anna. The action at San Jacinto is characterized by the monument that stands on the battlefield as "...one of the most decisive battles of the world." The freedom of Texas from Mexico won here led to the annexation of Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma. Almost one third of the American nation, nearly a million square miles of territory changed sovereignty.
The razors bear the maker's name of "Laundy" with flat ivory handles which display a coat of arms, doubtless of Castrillon, featuring a unicorn surmounting a crown. The miniature strop is in a black Moroccan leather case. All pieces unquestionably period and original to the case. The case is lined in red velvet and is compartmented for each piece. The set is, in its entirety in near perfect condition, just a minor age crack with not loss on the handle of one razor, totally untouched. This set was doubtless in Castrillon's possession throughout the Texas Revolution, including the Alamo. A remarkable piece of Texas history, absolutely authentic and truly moving in the light of the events it touched.