Thread: A New Acquisition (Gillette)

Took a trip to a local antique shop today and saw they had some DE razors. Got this one for 10 bucks. I took it home and polished it up with some Brasso (metal polish) some 1200 wet and dry and some Brasso on newspaper. I removed the plating and took it back to brass on the top plate. It had a bent comb, which I straightened using a screw driver to prise it out.

I think it now looks quite nice.

If anyone knows the approximate date of manufacture/model etc of this I'd be grateful for the info.

I've lusted after old DEs before but never bought one; I have a new Mühle R 89 which I use about once a week but I'm guessing this will feel more aggressive.

Off to have a nice hot shower now and try it out with an Astra blade and Martin de Candre soap

Before



After

Very nice Carl.

Here's some links for you Carl:

RENALDO.US - Gillette Razor and Blade Dating and Feature Information

Internet Museum of Safety Razors

Razor Archive | Gillette Date Codes

Carl,
That looks like the Gillette Ball Tech handle with Gillette New shave head, and it probably dates from the 1930s. The crack in the handle is common among these Ball Tech razors. Yes, the razor will be more aggressive than your Muhle R89.

I would say earlier than 1930, since it is a 3 prong style instead of a slot.

Looks good!

Nice find Carl!

Looks to be an Gillette Old Type from early to mid 1920's

mr-razor Old Type

No expert on Gillette DE razors but if it is the "old type" it will be an aggressive shaver and capable of a scary close shave.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

No expert on Gillette DE razors but if it is the "old type" it will be an aggressive shaver and capable of a scary close shave.

Bob

Thanks Bob. Yeah, it is very close. I've researched open comb razors and shied away from them, bit silly really when I use a straight most days. However, this is aggressive yet 'controllable'; although I don't think I'd like to use it every day...

Originally Posted by Zephyr

Nice find Carl!

Looks to be an Gillette Old Type from early to mid 1920's

mr-razor Old Type

Thanks Zephr.

Originally Posted by Danm

I would say earlier than 1930, since it is a 3 prong style instead of a slot.

Looks good!

Thanks Danm.

Originally Posted by Obie

Carl,
That looks like the Gillette Ball Tech handle with Gillette New shave head, and it probably dates from the 1930s. The crack in the handle is common among these Ball Tech razors. Yes, the razor will be more aggressive than your Muhle R89.

Thank Obie; I know you know your DEs! The head IS very slightly wobbly when first screwing it on, possibly a sign of a mismatched head? They also had an old DE in a box with a strop for $45.

Actuially, just looked up the site Zephyr posted and it's one of these, a 1920's pocket edition (without the case).

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old...%20Edition.jpg

Thanks Zephyr!

EDIT, with no serial number on the bottom plate...

EDIT EDIT, or similar, I now see there's a whole bunch that are very much similar from the '20s.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Thanks Bob. Yeah, it is very close. I've researched open comb razors and shied away from them, bit silly really when I use a straight most days. However, this is aggressive yet 'controllable'; although I don't think I'd like to use it every day.

Yea, unless you are prepared to put as much thought and concentration into your shave as with a straight I would leave aggressive DEs alone. OTH if you have to put thought and concentration into a shave like you do with a straight why not just use a straight. One thing for sure is that the vintage Gillette DE world offers a confusing and enjoyable variety to pick from.

Bob