The razor was made between 1883 and 1933 by Joseph Allen & Sons of Sheffield, England. It is a form of shaving equipment used for many years, and still by some today. The shaver would prepare for shaving by lathering the skin and hair with soap and a purpose-made bristle brush before carefully stretching the skin and running the razor over it. The razor's blade would be sharpened with a 'strop' strap. JOSEPH ALLEN (C. 1829-1893) Joseph Allen was born in Dromfield, in the Sheffield district of England in around 1829. He was trained as a razor smith and razor back forger. His business grew and he moved to several addresses. By 1883 his firm was named Joseph Allen & Sons and was exporting his products overseas. In 1883 he paid to use the 'NON-XLL' mark to stamp on his metal products. Joseph's tow sons, Joseph and James, were managing his business by 1900, operating at Ecclesall Works, 245 Rockingham Street in Sheffield. They expanded the range of products to include cutlery as well as razors and bought the use of other trademarks. In 1919 it became a Limited company, trading until 1933. This vintage razor represents men's grooming equipment in use over many decades, and even today. The maker is well-known for its quality workmanship and materials.Razor, metal blade with synthetic handle. Blade has steel handle. Razor is contained in black cardboard box. Made by Joseph Allen & Sons of Sheffield, England. On blade "NON - XXL" "Joseph Allen & Sons, Sheffield, England"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck-coast, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, maritime museum, joseph allen & sons, sheffield, raxor, shaving equipment, personal grooming, men's toiletries, shaving aid, ecclesall works, non-xll, vintage razor