Barber surgeon's case, French, c 1715-1830

Barber surgeon's case, French, c 1715-1830. This large rectangular barber's case is made of wood and has a hinged lid. It contains twenty shaving accessories. In the 19th century most men visited the barber or shaved periodically at home. Better off customers would have their own personal sets of razors, one for each day of the week. Advances in razor technology in the 20th century, including the introduction of the electric razor, changed shaving habits. Today, the majority of men shave daily at home, using a wide variety of equipment. ©SSPL/Science Museum