George Wostenholm & Son was the premier cutlery firm of Sheffield, England, during the 19th century. Their I·XL and Pipe Razor brands were considered the gold standard of steel.
The “Pipe Razor” was specifically marketed for having a “special temper” that made it easier to hone and keep sharp—a favorite for professional barbers. Milwaukee Barbers Supply acted as a regional hub in the Midwest, sourcing high-end English and German steel to sell to the thousands of barber shops popping up in the growing industrial city of Milwaukee.
This specific “The King” model was likely produced between 1890 and 1920. After 1891, the “England” stamp became mandatory due to the McKinley Tariff Act; if yours lacks the word “England” under the manufacturer name, it likely dates to the 1880s.
