The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

7 x 4 x 2 3/4 in. embossed Moroccan leather case with number 6 on the top and a gold imprint maker’s mark: “Edw. Christmann / Manufacturer & Importer / No 702," containing officer-quality grooming set. Divided into 8 sections, the set holds 2 large grooming brushes, an empty silver soap container, a standing mirror measuring 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 in., a bone tube with 3 screw together compartments, one with a shaving brush and one end missing the screw cap. A razor strop with a detached, screw-in handle toothbrush, and a folding straight razor with “The Union Must and Shall Be Preserved” etched on the blade are also enclosed. Razor is marked “George Wostenholm & Son / Celebrated IXL Razor / Washington Works / Sheffield.”  

George Wostenholm was also a maker of Bowie knives and one of the most successful knife makers due to his lucrative business in America. He was granted the trademark “IXL” in 1826 and by 1850 his manufacturing of Bowie knives at his Washington Works was at its peak. American manufacturers of the Bowie knife cut down on his American market in the 1860s.