A wife needs help

Hello, I will start out by saying I have no idea what I am doing. I want to get my husband a razor for Christmas. He collects them. And he has told me he would be interested in getting a safety razor that is military issue. I know he likes Gillette safety razors.

Is there a way to tell which one are military issue rather than just normal civilian issue? When he was going on about it, he did say the packaging would say military. But honestly I am lost. I want a nice one, not broken.

I found one on ebay, but it is packed different than any of the others I have seen. Did they used to come wrapped like this rather than just in an eye glass looking case?

If anyone can offer advice, or a way to research these I would be incredibly grateful.

here is the ebay one

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174934973637

Normally I would ask my husband these things, but you can't ask advice about a christmas gift

I am no expert on military safety razors but do have a dozen or so that I rotate along with my straight razors. Your link provides is a J series WWI razor issued to the military in 1918-1919. This site provides details on Gillette codes for razors. https://www.razoremporium.com/gillet...-numbers/#1940. Link shown appears to be a good example of a WWI issue Gillette razor kit and looks to be complete and in very good shape. I can't comment on price but recommend you look at EBay sold auctions to see what people are paying for this and other models. I would recommend you find out from your husband which war type Gillette (WWI or WWII) he prefers. An open comb or closed comb would be another thing to know in regard to his preferences. This would make a nice Christmas gift and would add depth to his razor collection IMHO. Hope this is helpful, Austin

Thank you, That is a help! and I have a place to start reading about them. I knew what I wanted to get him, just didn't know where to start looking.

That is normal. When we all started to learn about razors we didnt know there was so much to learn. Then came learning to use them. You may find a couple more aswers to help you from other members zo stick around.

Sorry I have no usefull advice but I do offer a welcome. Glad you came here as a Mrs. It is always good to see couples who support each other in their pursuits and hobbies. Your husband is a lucky man and you are in good hands here. Perhaps you might encourage him to join us after your Christmas shopping query has passed.

Not sure about across the pond but in Blighty all military equipment is marked with the board arrow.
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Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Not sure about across the pond but in Blighty all military equipment is marked with the board arrow.

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Canadian issue was marked with the Broad Arrow and possibly still is. Don't know how or if the US issue stuff was marked but presumably it was in some way too.

Bob

Thank you. I may not understand his hobby. But he likes it, and I like making him happy. You all have been useful. That is neat about the arrow. I am looking at maybe getting one of that type too. Thank you so much. And i am going to definitely tell him about this site once christmas is up!