Mystery Edison attachment

[Zenger]

This came attached to an Edison Standard A I found in an old farmhouse many years ago. The little cap pulls off, and it looks hollow inside. It's not a shaver, and I don't see any way a brush could be involved. Does anyone have an idea what it is?

[phonogfp]

It's a shaver.

George P.

[Zenger]

Thanks, George! But what am I missing here? Or, more to the point, what's missing here?

[Lucius1958]

Thanks, George! But what am I missing here? Or, more to the point, what's missing here?

It's missing the shaft and the blade.

- Bill

[flying500]

The cutterwhich is a small flat piece of saphire should be attached (with shellac cement) in the opening of thc case. I will upload a photo later today.
It is only found on the early Standard.

Thei type reffered to with the cutter on the shaft was the 'Home' type.

[flying500]

Pictures of the cutter from my Model A.

[Zenger]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing the pictures.

[phonospud]

From a machinist’s standpoint, I cannot understand how the Edison engineers ever expected these shields to work properly without clogging up. The Standard’s design was to contain the wax swarf in the container and prevent it from going everywhere. Then you dumped it when it was full. The Home, Triumph, Spring Motor, ClassM, etc., had an open bottom shield to direct the swarf into a straight line directly below, which then could be brushed up fairly easily. There’s really not enough clearance in my mind to work effectively consistently.
Or maybe they do work! I’ve not had as much experience as others with shaving cylinders. Hopefully someone will chime in here.