Thread: Collectables???

Hi Guys,

I was just thinking that I really know the value of straight razors and which brands or worth more, etc, but I have no idea when it comes to DE razors.

Can any of you enlighten me on some of the values and collectability aspects?????

Thanks,

Lynn

Lynn,

I am by no means an expert on DE pricing, however, from what I have observed lately:

The British made Rockets (essentially the US made superspeeds with a few differences) tend to fetch 10 to 25% higher prices than their US counterparts.

Gillette '195' will often go for silly prices (I've seen them on the bay selling for $500+). This was a prototype razor with the adjustment dial at the bottom of the handle rather than under the head as the production Fatboy's and Slim's have

Wilkinson Sword Sticky will often sell for $150 to $250

Gillette No 58 - usually in the $150 to $175 range

Techs are a dime a dozen - under rated DE - often less than $25 with the case, less than $15 without

Long handle Super adjustable (the black handled version of the Slim) will typically sell for 15% more than the shorter handle variety.

Gillette Fatboy - the shine (pardon the pun) seems to have come off the Fatboy. A few months ago is was not uncommon to see prices flirting with the $100 range. Now they seem to have come back to a more reasonable level of <$50.

Gillette Presidents and Executives also fetch high prices and are still a sought after razor.

WWI and WWII sets are always popular. Every once in a while a NOS set will come up. Personally, for collection purposes, I would rather have a used set - one that can be tracked back to the original user (often the personal serial number is written inside the case) as I believe it has more of a story to tell than one that was pulled out of an old box.

There is a seller over on B&B (merwtje) who often finds and sells the rarer versions of DE's. His posts would be worth looking at if you're wondering about odd-ball razors.

Not a definitive list but something to get you started.

Cheers,

Rick

To add:

The late model schick injectors have been sought after, going for $50 or more depending on condition, while the more common E type with the bakelite handle frequently goes for about $10 on ebay.

Gillette aristocrats have also been very collectible. Particularly the british models, which are purportedly better made, maintain their finish (due to rhodium plating), slightly more aggressive than the american counterparts of the same era. They are also great shavers. A mint cased #16 or #21 typically go for upwards of $200.

Here is a great resource by an avid collector.

The prices Ray and Rick provided are accurate. If you are looking to buy any DEs I would suggest hitting your locak antique shops nut better yet the local 'This and That' shops. My son is collecting and using DEs as well as learning str8s. We secured numerous DEs for ~$3 including Fatboys, Superspeeds and the three piece models. From antique shops we picked up a Diplomat for $19 and an adjustable Fatboy w/ case for $9. We have found more in This and That (junk) shops than we found in antique shops and find more str8s than DEs. Ultrasonic cleaning w/ soapy water works best. DOn't use Barbercide on gold colored DEs, it will take the finish off.

Originally Posted by Joed

DOn't use Barbercide on gold colored DEs, it will take the finish off.

I use Scrubbing Bubbles on old grungy DEs. Windex works well on gold plate and won't remove the protective lacquer.

Yard sales and flea markets are best bet for getting the great deals. My wife picked me up, what turned out to be, aGillette No. 58 with case for $5 (actually $6 if I count the $1 she paid to get into the flea market). I have found that normal dish soap will take the grime off just as well as scrubbing bubbles.

i use dawn dish detergent for cleaning them