Thread: Gillette DE

What you have there is a really pristine example of one of the more sought after Gillette models. That is one to use on a Sunday, rinse and wipe dry after use, and to hand down to the grandkids. TBH if it was mine I would just put it up and admire it.

Also, from the looks of the comb portion, it seems to be from the 30's. When I get home I'll look it up and give you an accurate description unless someone here beats me to it.

That's a Gillette NEW you have there and in great shape. The gold plating wears off easily so be gentle with it. That's a great gift.

The box you have is actually from a different razor. The Bostonian was a New Improved razor and despite what you may guess from the name, the New improved is actually older than the NEW. Here's a pic of what a Bostonian looks like.

Originally Posted by feeltheburn

The Bostonian was a New Improved razor and despite what you may guess from the name, the New improved is actually older than the NEW.

I always get confused with that 'new' versus 'new improved' ........ which came first. I've got the Krumholz book but was too lazy to dig it out. I know some guys think those were the best DEs Gillete ever made. Notice the thickness of the teeth on the comb. Guys would drop the older razors and the older thinner teeth would get bent on the corners. Try to straighten them and many times they would break.

Like feeltheburn said, the gold plating is delicate. Windex is the best thing to clean it with IME. Metal polish, like flitz, maas and so on, will take it off in a heartbeat.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I always get confused with that 'new' versus 'new improved' ........ which came first.

Pretty easy to remember if you think of it this way... The original Gillette blades had 3 holes and fit the Old Type and New Improved. Those two models have the pegs in the heads to hold the blade through the holes.


When the patent on those blades ran out, Gillette put a slot down the middle of the blade and made the New razor (which doesn't have the pegs, it has a slot instead). They patented a new blade that fit both types of razors and that's the DE blade configuration you see most of the time today.

Thanks so much for all the replies! It is awesome to hear the history of razors and the like I knew you guys would have some great info for me. Now I guess i have to learn how to use it properly ha.

These guys are right. It's a New Gillette from 1938 or 1939 most likely. d

Originally Posted by feeltheburn

The box you have is actually from a different razor. The Bostonian was a New Improved razor and despite what you may guess from the name, the New improved is actually older than the NEW. Here's a pic of what a Bostonian looks like.

I have the same in Silver
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/New...n%20silver.JPG