A bit of vintage eye candy (C'mon, post some pics!)

[T Rick]

Up late satisfying my RAD on the 'Bay, I also did a little photo work, changed my avatar (figured most here wouldn't recognize John Moses Browning anyway ).

I think my RAD is about to slow down BIG time, as I am knee deep in razors, and scored two quite rare pieces tonight (pics and info when they arrive, for those I out bid, sorry! But I won't be competing with you on many now, as I've got nearly all I seek).

A few shots I took for the new avatar, thought you might enjoy the full sized view. While the Single Ring wasn't real ugly to start, the baking soda in boiling water poured over the razor on aluminum foil trick worked wonders with it. Thanks much to AsylumGuido for that tip, and for all the other info he's imparted!

There are a few spots on the Single Ring (not seen here) I need to clean up, and the cap needs a bit of polish, but all in all, a beaut! I left the patina on the New Standard because I like it, the cap has a nasty brassing area anyway, and I've also scored another cleaner example tonight (not included in the rare birds mentioned). The Big Fellow was the greatest score so far, bught in an early lot with a clean '47 Super Speed and 3 others for $30. Was really ugly, but cleaned up great (the cap retains no gold on the face). I'm tired.
I'm broke . And I'm thrilled to have such a great representation of the history of these wonderful little treasures.

Post some pics of your favorite vintages!

 

[Dharion]

View attachment 69482
Did I say that's the safety razor I'm getting the best shaves out of? It is.

 

[baggiez]

View attachment 69482
Did I say that's the safety razor I'm getting the best shaves out of? It is.

The NEW is one of my favourites too. A great shaver indeed

 

[thanks]

View attachment 69482
Did I say that's the safety razor I'm getting the best shaves out of? It is.

I'm so jealous! Your NEW looks mint. Mine is in very good condition, which is great, but a small stain on the handle and slight brassing of the head make me seek a mint replacement.

 

[thirdeye]

Ok you talked me into it, Here is a couple from my stash.

 

[gaseousclay]

wow, nice stuff guys. might have to take some pics when I get home today

 

[L. Martino]

Hiya,

Here's a couple pics of the Kirby I have. This one's made in France, and isn't as aggressive as it looks. Used it this morning as a matter of fact.

Martin

 

[gaseousclay]

Hiya,

Here's a couple pics of the Kirby I have. This one's made in France, and isn't as aggressive as it looks. Used it this morning as a matter of fact.

Martin

the head looks like a cheese grater

 

[thirdeye]

Very nice Kirby Martin!

 

[Gruder]

2nd from the bottom in your pics, Ray. That's my holy grail. One day.

Great pics, guys!

 

[Oldguy]

Rather then show you something pretty and shiny, here is something rare most of you will never see. The 1909 ABC Diamond and Arrow Trademark pocket set. The razor is gold but the case is black lacquer showing the brass highlights. You can also see it on page 156 of the Krumholz Collectors Handbook.

View attachment 69496

Len

 

[thirdeye]

Rather then show you something pretty and shiny, here is something rare most of you will never see. The 1909 ABC Diamond and Arrow Trademark pocket set. The razor is gold but the case is black lacquer showing the brass highlights. You can also see it on page 156 of the Krumholz Collectors Handbook.

View attachment 69496

Len

Very nice Len, that is only the second one I've seen. The other on is in my show case....

Very cool sir, thanks for posting this for our members.

 

[Oldguy]

Very nice Len, that is only the second one I've seen. The other on is in my show case....

Very cool sir, thanks for posting this for our members.

Thanks Ray. Now I know I have to visit you to see what other goodies you have stashed away.

Len

 

[thirdeye]

Thanks Ray. Now I know I have to visit you to see what other goodies you have stashed away.

Len

 

[T Rick]

Wow, stupendous stuff guys!

 

[Oldguy]

OK. One more photo. Here are my pocket sets as of now. They are my favorite pieces and are my eye candy.

View attachment 69512

There are a couple things to note about the pockets. There are 3 different thicknesses. The original ABC sets had the clasp and the thinnest case. The next ABC cases had the push button opener and can be identified by the wide spaced rivets in the front bottom section of the case. The third and largest case also has the push button opener but no rivets on the bottom. Also in the case of the basket pattern the larger case also had the widest area to engrave initials or a name. This results in 6 columns of the alternate weave on either side of the engraving section. The older ABC cases had 7 columns. I have one more set coming in, the Shell set (sorry T Rick that was me). I'm also missing the Empire set.

Len

 

[gaseousclay]

hey len, quick question. are the metal cases with your pocket sets exclusive to those particular razors? I ask because I recently won a fat handle Tech on ebay and mine came in a metal case just like the ones you have in your pocket sets. I'm guessing it's not the original case because the other Techs I have either came in the standard leather case or a cardboard case. the Tech I have with the metal case allegedly came from an estate sale (which doesn't mean squat when it comes to safety razors, right?).

 

[AsylumGuido]

hey len, quick question. are the metal cases with your pocket sets exclusive to those particular razors? I ask because I recently won a fat handle Tech on ebay and mine came in a metal case just like the ones you have in your pocket sets. I'm guessing it's not the original case because the other Techs I have either came in the standard leather case or a cardboard case. the Tech I have with the metal case allegedly came from an estate sale (which doesn't mean squat when it comes to safety razors, right?).

The pocket editions all came with Old Types. Later Tuckaway sets came with New Improved razors and the Norfolk sets were NEW models.

 

[Oldguy]

hey len, quick question. are the metal cases with your pocket sets exclusive to those particular razors? I ask because I recently won a fat handle Tech on ebay and mine came in a metal case just like the ones you have in your pocket sets. I'm guessing it's not the original case because the other Techs I have either came in the standard leather case or a cardboard case. the Tech I have with the metal case allegedly came from an estate sale (which doesn't mean squat when it comes to safety razors, right?).

There were a lot of mixing and matching with the older ABC cases and razors with the distinctive handles. After 1921 Gillette still used the larger basket cases with the Old Type pocket razors. I don't know how long they continued to use the case but I think they stopped with the Old Type in 1929. I doubt if they were made with a Tech but it would make a nice set. And you're certainly right about what you find at estate sales. Of course if you're lucky the estate also had a nice razor collection.

Len

 

[gaseousclay]

There were a lot of mixing and matching with the older ABC cases and razors with the distinctive handles. After 1921 Gillette still used the larger basket cases with the Old Type pocket razors. I don't know how long they continued to use the case but I think they stopped with the Old Type in 1929. I doubt if they were made with a Tech but it would make a nice set. And you're certainly right about what you find at estate sales. Of course if you're lucky the estate also had a nice razor collection.

Len

thanks. I'm certain the Tech didn't come with the metal case either, mainly because the fat handle doesn't quite fit in the slot