A 2,000-year-old Roman razor is expected to make up to £600 when offered for sale next week <Nov 27> at Hansons Auctioneers’ Derby saleroom.
Dated to the 2nd-4th century, it has a finger hole to guide a sharpened iron blade, as well as a loop to attach it to a belt, or around the neck.
TV auctioneer, Charles Hanson, said: “I’m not sure how close a shave you would get, but imagine if it could talk. Think of all the ancient chins it was used on and the stories their owners could tell. It truly is a remarkable piece of ancient history.”
The 9cm (3½in) long piece, which goes under the hammer on November 27, shines a light on a very particular Roman practice.
Hansons Auctioneers’ historical consultant, Simon Bartley, said: “Roman razors were known as novacilae, and this is a stunning example in beautiful condition which isn’t often seen outside a private collection.”
For the well-off Roman being clean shaven was considered part of urbanitas – civilised urban manners.
Emperors like Augustus, Tiberius, and Trajan were all depicted without beards, showing Roman power and discipline.
But for the assassination wary Roman elite, putting yourself in the hands of a razor-wielding unknown was perilous in the extreme.
Simon continued: “Dionysus was so afraid of trusting a barber he made his daughters learn how to shave him. Emperor Domitian banned razors from being drawn in the middle of a dense crowd, and barbers from practicing in public places.”
The first shaving of the beard, usually done at the age of 21, marked a solemn ceremony called depositio barbae signifying the transition from adolescence into manhood.
Prior to this, downy facial hair was allowed to grow unshaved until something resembling a beard appeared.
Sometimes celebrated with small ceremonies, the freshly shaved hair was then offered to thegods.
In his Life of Nero Suetonius, writes: “On the day of his first shave, Nero gave a splendid banquet to the priests of Mars and placed the first hairs in a golden box in the Capitol.”
The Roman army was also expected to be clean shaven not least because a beard might have given an opponent something to grab onto.
For the average Roman, owning a razor would have been rare, meaning most men would make a daily pilgrimage to the barbers, known as tonstrinae.
Not only was it a place for grooming, but it was also where gossip was exchanged and news received.
Such razor blades were the precursor to a scissor-like contraption called a forfex, consisting of two blades connected by a horseshoe-shape, an early example of the implement we know today.
Auction Details
Auction: Derby November Historica, Coins, Banknotes & Tokens Auction
Auction date: 27th November 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
