1908 Floral ABC Gillette,dz Krumholz est,the value?

[ambuco]

I have a 1908 floral pattern ABC Gillette but dont know to much about it.Can anyone help with more info? I seen The Main page on the 4 different styles but,is the razor made of solid silver? The case looks worn in the main picture,so is is probably plated? The razor I have,has the case with the Kirry C Gillette engraving,purple velvet lined,All 3 pieces to the razor,the silver blade case and 1 unopened blade. The serial numbers(there are 2) are L239?1,the ?# can be a 9 or 8 but hard to make out,the other # is B or P 282246..Is it true that the L means it was a dealer return,and then resold? Are these "L" razors pretty rare? what are they worth? I know the "worth" question is "iffy",but has anyone bought or sold one recently..does the Krumholz book estimate a value on these razors? Thanks for any help.ambuco

 

[highball]

pictures would help

 

[mr-razor]

I have a 1908 floral pattern ABC Gillette but dont know to much about it.Can anyone help with more info? I seen The Main page on the 4 different styles but,is the razor made of solid silver? The case looks worn in the main picture,so is is probably plated? The razor I have,has the case with the Kirry C Gillette engraving,purple velvet lined,All 3 pieces to the razor,the silver blade case and 1 unopened blade. The serial numbers(there are 2) are L239?1,the ?# can be a 9 or 8 but hard to make out,the other # is B or P 282246..Is it true that the L means it was a dealer return,and then resold? Are these "L" razors pretty rare? what are they worth? I know the "worth" question is "iffy",but has anyone bought or sold one recently..does the Krumholz book estimate a value on these razors? Thanks for any help.ambuco

The second SN with "L" means, that the razor comes back to Gillette for repair. About the first SN "B282246" the razor is from 1910

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Estimating worth is very, very difficult on these ABC sets. Prices fluctuate significantly based on condition. I've actually seen the listing of this exact (i.e. same serial numbers) razor on eBay. It started off at $200 BIN and not surprisingly it didn't sell. It was down to $150, but then looks like it was taken down without necessary being purchased through eBay. I'm assuming it didn't actually sell because that price was also much higher than I'd expect to see that set going in an auction. The interior of the case was in fair condition and was missing the Gillette logo patch. So, it is hard to estimate what it is 'worth.'

 

[ambuco]

Hi,Thanks guys,for helping with the info...The listing that was on ebay ,is the one I have,and you are right that it didnt sell,I pulled the listing for a couple of reasons,first,okay,I had it overpriced,my fault,not knowing anything about it(and Gillette Co.offering "0"info)I listed it based on what i could find out,bad choice,my fault..second,having been contacted by a polite ebayer,who offered some much needed info,This prompted me to remove the listing because i had it listed as a 1904(did specify that this was just the earliest U.S. pat date),and also made no mention of it being commisioned by ABC for Gillette(because i didnt know),I also mentioned that it may by silver,still not sure if the handle or case or blade case is solid silver..There is just too much info that i did not know ,to list it accurately and correctly,but did describe all pieces Honestly based on my inspection of it and the condition. This is why, i am asking for your help(and it is much appreciated)....the razor is an item that i am listing for a co-worker,his father recently passed away,and this razor was in some of his dads "old stuff"(i'm sure he kept more sentimental items),He knows nothing about it and did not want to research it or list it..I might end up keeping it for myself,but this brings up more questions..Should i polish it? can the velvet interior be restored(is it worth restoring)? do "todays razor blades" still fit these razors? Again with a value,based on what you know about prices,what is a fair price to offer him,to keep it for myself? Thanks,(i am trying to post some pics)

 

[Oldguy]

I have both the silver and the gold Flower sets. Both sets have almost no plate loss and both had blade boxes. The gold set is really nice with the inside velvet in what I would call excellent condition. It also has the little instruction book in excellent condition. It cost me $112.50 maybe 9 months ago on the bay. The silver set is also excellent on the outside. The razor has a 1911 serial number and a L repair number. I would call the inside condition good. There are no tears only wear marks where the razor rested but the Gillette diamond is missing. I paid $39.99 on the bay. So it is hard to say what a set is worth.

This razor can use standard DE blades and is a very good shaver. None of the razors made by Gillette were solid silver or gold. If it is silver it can be polished but my advice would be to only lightly touch the highlights of the case and razor. It really makes the detail stand out. If it is gold do not polish it as the plating is very thin and gold doesn't tarnish anyway. It's hard to say what kind of value to put on it without seeing the inside of the case.

Len

 

[BBrad]

I really have to hand it to the OP for being such an honest and decent eBay retailer!

Taking your listing down once you realized that you needed more accurate information is honorable, sir!!

This particular razor is of interest to some, both for collecting and daily use. Presenting the razor with a fair opening price should attract some eager bidders!

+1 on the polishing advice above . . . go easy and watch the beauty just jump out at you!!

 

[D.Irving79]

very nice.

 

[Razor Emporium]

those early pieces are truly artwork! very nice.

 

[Chester]

I lieu of polishing, the baking-soda-and-salt-boiling-water trick has been a very gentle cleaning method I've used lately. The Before-and-After Cleaning thread may be worth a peek before you start.
-- Chet

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I'd actually avoid using the baking soda/aluminum foil trick to clean up this razor. If you do that, then you'll reverse the tarnish in the recessed areas of the razor. These ABC sets look best, in my opinion at least, when the raised portions are polished and the recessed portions are left in their tarnished state. It sets off the beautifully ornate designs much better.

And like Len said, pricing can be all over the place. I bought one in similar condition for $25, but I was got very lucky finding it at an antique shop. I've seen ones in similar condition to the one that you have sell for 50-75 on eBay.

 

[ambuco]

Thanks again Guys,becoming a member of B&B,has really sparked a interest to start a collection of my own,Having seen some reeeaalllyy nice SRs on some of the other links,I am definately going to see what my dad might be willing to share with me,I remember his collection of razors,and the "Hot Lather Machine"..An A+++++ for all the tips, info,and comments you have all offered.I will start my collection with the Floral I already have,and share pics and info on any new ones I am lucky enough to find..Looking forward to chatting and sharing,in the near future,,Sincerely,ambuco....off to dads house!!!

 

[Chester]

I'd actually avoid using the baking soda/aluminum foil trick to clean up this razor. If you do that, then you'll reverse the tarnish in the recessed areas of the razor. These ABC sets look best, in my opinion at least, when the raised portions are polished and the recessed portions are left in their tarnished state. It sets off the beautifully ornate designs much better.

This is a great point to make. I guess it depends on what you do with the razor. A few months of good use will let the tarnish come back in the recessed areas. If it's going to sit in the case, maybe just a little rubbing (not paying attention to the recessed spots) will do the trick and keep the contrasts you're referring to.

I once had the hobby of sheet copper sculpture, and deliberate attention to oxidation in certain areas was very helpful and could provide great effect. There are many ways to artfully oxidize metals, and different masking techniques, but as I think you're pointing out, the natural polishing of regular handling can provide lovely subtlety to surface details.

I guess it depends on the look he wants.
-- Chet

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I will start my collection with the Floral I already have,and share pics and info on any new ones I am lucky enough to find..Looking forward to chatting and sharing,in the near future,,Sincerely,ambuco....off to dads house!!!

While I'm sure there is at least a member or two on these boards sad to hear that this razor won't be going back on eBay, if you are going to start collecting razors, that would be a great one to start with. There are even other ABC sets. Check out this link : http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/American_Button_Co_Pocket_Editions .

And these ABC sets are really excellent shavers as well.

Post some photos of whatever you find at your Dad's. People here will be glad to help you figure out what you found and we love seeing pictures.

 

[ambuco]

Hi,That link is the very first picture i seen when i first logged into B&B,Man those are some beautiful razors(now i have to find the others to make the set complete),if anyone is interested(even though mine is not for sale) there is another ABC floral,in gold on the bay,this seller also has what he calls,a fat boy(thinking of making that one #2) , he must ahve bought an estate,as he has 22 different "lots".