Monday, April 26, 2010

Horstator Piccolo 55

Here is a picture I took of a new clippers that Liam at the Waldorf barbershop recently acquired. It's a Made in Germany clippers. I was debating with Liam about the age of this machine. Judging by the warranty and the instructions leaflet, and the illustration on the box, I'd guess late 40s to mid-50s. Liam thinks it's more modern, maybe 60s. In any case it does work and do a really good job. It's got a slower motor just like the Oster. There is a blade that is a 00005 which did give a tighter result than the Oster. There is a large chrome beak that juts out so it takes longer for the metal blade to heat up. That's one thing that I love about the Oster.

Below is a great clip about a barbershop in the late 50s. You can see that the barber is using a barrel type clippers.

14 comments:

switchblade barber shop said...

Great blog, always look forward to seeing your updates!

Dewitt Albright said...

Thank you so much. I thought you'd like this one!

Mr. Tonsorial said...

These clippers are a sight to behold! where were these made? I'm guessing Italy, is that right? I love the stainless steel and really solid look.

Mr. Tonsorial said...

Okay got it Germany.

Dewitt Albright said...

Yes they are very imposing!

FacundoGallegos said...

I think after I get a job, I'll go to barber school. The closest one starts new students every first Monday of each month. After that, I want to go to art school. Life is short, I might as well do everything that I want!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dewitt Albright,

I did a bit of research for you and Liam and the Piccolo 55 is, surprise, from 1955. I am a German and did a quick search for you at the (German) Department of Patents and Brands.

I found out who holds the rights for the brand "Piccolo 55". And, another surprise, you can still buy a clipper thats called "Horstator Piccolo 55".

Here you go:http://www.wsh-cutlery.com/xhtml/huge/en/marken/index.html

Thank you for the blog and my regards to the guys at the Waldorf.
If I ever visit Dublin, I'll definately pay them a visit....

Bye
Cordy

Dewitt Albright said...

Wow. That is great information Cordey. Thank you!

Germany has definitly been the world's best producer of barber equipment, in particular Solingen (where all the blades were made.)

Is Horstater a German name?

Anonymous said...

Yes, we have some good manufacturers
for barber equipment, especially when it comes to straight shaving. But there are some other good ones around the world, but I'm not too familiar with that. I haven't tried straight shaving yet, I've been shaving with different DE razors for about a year now. But sooner or later I will definately try a straight razor.

"Horstator" is not really a German name, at least not a family name. "Horst" is a german male first name. Why they added the suffix "-ator", I really have no idea....

Anonymous said...

Horstator Piccolo is still available at www.sb-clippers.com If you would like to know more about this clipper you can contact me: sb@sb-clippers.com Have a nice day :-) Stanley

Dewitt Albright said...

Wow Stanley, thank you so much.... This is a super machine. How much do you sell them for? Are they new old stock? Or more recently made?

This is really cool!

Dewitt Albright said...

I see the prices now, thanks!

Anonymous said...

Current prices Horstator Piccolo 55

http://www.sb-clippers.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=51

Jerzy - Poland

Aradia said...

Good afternoon, thank you, tell me the approximate value of this machine in dollars. since I have one in excellent condition. Thank you. I am from Uruguay.