40s Super Speed End Cap Question

[Mr_Marbles]

I picked up '48 - '50 Super Speed on eBay a few weeks ago. It was in good condition, but when it arrived the end caps (I don't know if that is the right term) looked to have been soldered and there was a split down the middle. Ever picture I have seen of the Super Speeds shows a one piece end cap. So I figured some previous owner had done a repair job on his super speed and didn't think much about it (still shaves great!). Today I noticed another super speed that looked like mine on eBay - Item 360203938566 or http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-50s-GIL...286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo=LVI&itu=UCI&otn=3&ps=6

The second pic shows exactly what I am talking about.

Can anyone confirm that this is a repair job and that the orginal super speeds had solid end caps? If so, do you see this often?

Thanks

 

[82R100]

The seamless end caps that you customarily see are soldered into place where you are see the solder now. You're not seeing a repair--merely the result of the end caps taking flight.

A common repair is to remove end caps from a donor razor and epoxy them onto the razor in need.

- Chris

 

[T Rick]

The end caps appeared on Gillettes in 1946. The Super Speed was introduced in 1947, and yes, they all had them. It's not uncommon to see these occasionally with the end caps (one or both) missing. If it really bothers you, you can get doner parts from a trashed razor and reinstall them (here's a thread on doing that). But first make sure you're not really dealing with a 1941 Ranger Tech! These were the most immediate predecessor to the Super Speed, produced in 1941 without end caps, and 1946 with end caps. Here's a pic of my 1941, note the smooth area on the handle above the TTO knob. Sure sign of a Ranger Tech!

 

[82R100]

...But first make sure you're not really dealing with a 1941 Ranger Tech!

Given that he's seeing solder on the ends, that seems unlikely.

 

[gollum83]

Chris is right, that end cap with the split running down the middle is simply part of the razor and really is the business end of the end cap since it helps hold the doors in place. Those nice, shiny, seamless endcaps? Those are just for show.

 

[Mr_Marbles]

The seamless end caps that you customarily see are soldered into place where you are see the solder now. You're not seeing a repair--merely the result of the end caps taking flight.

A common repair is to remove end caps from a donor razor and epoxy them onto the razor in need.

- Chris

Of course, that makes perfect sense. I have even seen many references here to missing end caps, I just didn't put it together. Thanks!