Summary

Razor made by J. Dirlam & Sons, in Germany in the 1930s. It has an image of Phar Lap and his name printed on one side.

Physical Description

Cut throat razor with a chrome metal blade and an ivory styled plastic handle. The blade is hinged between the handle at one end. The makers name is stamped on the blade. The handle has been decorated with the words `PHAR LAP', picture of a jockey riding a race horse, and two Australian Red Ensign flags.

Significance

The enduring popularity, and marketibility of Phar Lap is demonstrated through the number of mementoes and souvenirs produced during his life, and in the decades following his death. Phar Lap's life and untimely death were commemorated in numerous handcrafted and commercial products such as this, marketed to a public hungry for the opportunity to show their devotion to and admiration for `Big Red' and his amazing achievements on the track. It is an early example of the use of the name and image of an Australian celebrity to sell a product. In the days before licencing laws, companies (following the example set by Hollywood) were able to put a celebrity's name and image on any product, no matter how unrelated to them, in the hope of tempting a star-struck public.

This item has added interest in the fact it was purchased in New Zealand, the birthplace of Phar Lap.

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