60's Style Super Speed (Flare Tip) question

[T Rick]

What was the last produced date code for the Flare Tip before changing over to the black handle (or was there an overlap as there was with 40's/50's Styles)? And what were the first date codes for the black handles?

While we're at it, what were the transitional date codes from the 50's style to the 60's style?

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[mr-razor]

I believe 1966 was the overlap year for the flar tip and the black handle Super-Speed

 

[SUMMERSRL]

B&Bs wiki shows the black handles start in 1966 (date code L). The chart provided is very helpful. Here's the link....

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

 

[AsylumGuido]

B&Bs wiki shows the black handles start in 1966 (date code L). The chart provided is very helpful. Here's the link....

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

But not always accurate based upon the layout.

 

[SUMMERSRL]

But not always accurate based upon the layout.

What do you mean, Guido? That the chart can be misread or that the info displayed is misleading, or something else?

 

[T Rick]

Again, I guess I need to be more specific. I am working towards a collection that will have an example as best I can of the first and last of each series of Super Speed. Example, '47 SS (have two), Z4 40's style (I know this will be a TV Special), Z1 50's style (have a Z2 and Z3 so far, looking towards a Z1), and whatever would be the transition from 50's-60's (TTO knob change). Also last of the all nickel plated 60's (just picked up a cased L3, wondering if there was an L4 all nickel, and did the black handles over lap and begin at L1 or L2?).

As always, thanks for tolerating my inquiries, and providing the educational benefit of your considerable time having learned this through countless hours of searching!

 

[Slivovitz]

I am not in any sense one of the experts around here. However, during my recent buying frenzy I acquired four superspeeds, a 48-50 one, a B1, L2, and V2 (1975). The L2 has the all metal handle, not the black one. So if the change was made that year, maybe it was in the 3rd or 4th quarter, or maybe there was an overlap. I don't know.

 

[T Rick]

I am not in any sense one of the experts around here. However, during my recent buying frenzy I acquired four superspeeds, a 48-50 one, a B1, L2, and V2 (1975). The L2 has the all metal handle, not the black one. So if the change was made that year, maybe it was in the 3rd or 4th quarter, or maybe there was an overlap. I don't know.

Thanks. I think there probably was an overlap (seems to be Gillette's way). My L3 is all nickel, and I suspect there were already black handles by that time. Guess I'll watch for an L4 nickel and an L1 black!

 

[billc508]

Good question, I have a second quarter '66 which is all metal and a 40's style superspeed together with a flair tip model, both are '54 vintage.

 

[T Rick]

Good question, I have a second quarter '66 which is all metal and a 40's style superspeed together with a flair tip model, both are '54 vintage.

The '54 issue is known to me already, so I can help there. They made Z1 Flare Tips as well as the rest of the year. They also had 40's style Super Speeds in each quarter, but quarters 3 and 4 were the 40's style TV Specials.

I expect a similar situation exists WRT the nickel/black Flare Tps (minus the TV Special part).