And yet another ABC pocket set thread; unknown set?

[GentsInstinct]

I read in the informative 2 ABC pocket set guide threads that, 1) ABC sets have the patent dates stamped on the bottom of the case 2) have smaller more rounded positioning posts in the razor caps and 3) They have a Gillette logo patch on the inside of the lid that doesn't say "Made In USA".

ABC Sets Guide: Razors

ABC Sets Guide : Cases


So how does one explain this pocket set: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330455051909

1915 serial number (meaning made by ABC and not Gillette), no patent dates on the bottom of the case, smaller more rounded positioning posts and a patch in the lid that doesn't say "Made in USA" but says "$5" in the upper right hand corner of the patch (the "$5" according to the seller's description, it looks more like "05" to me).

Update: I asked seller about the "$5" being on the Gillette patch. His reply: "Yes the $5 is on the little gillette patch right top corner of it." Anyone ever see that before?

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I've definitely seen a set with the $5 stitching in one of the corners (I'm pretty sure that it was upper right). It sold on eBay a number of months ago. I think someone here got it, maybe Amish. Anyways, it's always hard to tell from a photo, but I don't think that the head is original. The blade positioning posts look too long to be an ABC razor. As far as the lack of patent dates on the case ... It almost looks like it could be that the set is a mismatch in which an ABC handle was attached to a later Gillette Old Type Pocket Edition Set. But the Floral Pattern on the Gillette Old Type Pocket Editions is definitely different than the ABC one. And the particular set that you provided a link to, is the latter pattern. So, I'm not sure about the case. I'm sure Len (oldguy) will be around shortly to shed some light on it.

 

[GentsInstinct]

I've definitely seen a set with the $5 stitching in one of the corners (I'm pretty sure that it was upper right). It sold on eBay a number of months ago. I think someone here got it, maybe Amish. Anyways, it's always hard to tell from a photo, but I don't think that the head is original. The blade positioning posts look too long to be an ABC razor. As far as the lack of patent dates on the case ... It almost looks like it could be that the set is a mismatch in which an ABC handle was attached to a later Gillette Old Type Pocket Edition Set. But the Floral Pattern on the Gillette Old Type Pocket Editions is definitely different than the ABC one. And the particular set that you provided a link to, is the latter pattern. So, I'm not sure about the case. I'm sure Len (oldguy) will be around shortly to shed some light on it.

But the head is 1915 serial number. And you say the floral pattern on this set is the Gillette made pattern and not the ABC pattern?

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Sorry for the confusion. The pattern on that set looks identical to the ABC pattern, which is different than the Gillette made pattern.

In my opinion, and without holding the razor in hand or seeing a comparison photo it is very difficult to tell definitively, but the head doesn't look like an ABC head. The blade positioning posts look too long and too pointy, especially in the fourth photo on the auction.

 

[Oldguy]

Sorry for the confusion. The pattern on that set looks identical to the ABC pattern, which is different than the Gillette made pattern.

In my opinion, and without holding the razor in hand or seeing a comparison photo it is very difficult to tell definitively, but the head doesn't look like an ABC head. The blade positioning posts look too long and too pointy, especially in the fourth photo on the auction.

+1. The cap with the pointed blade positioning posts are not original to the razor. The plating on the cap is the first to wear. It most likely was replaced with a cap from a standard pocket razor in better condition. I have one ABC razor with a very worn cap I have considered changing out but always resisted the temptation.

Len

 

[mr-razor]

My 1914 ABC Pocket Edition No503 Flower Pattern case with Shell Pattern razor has the same $5 label inside. Your head and blade case may be wrong.

 

[GentsInstinct]

So even without the countries and patent dates on the bottom, the case is definitely ABC, but the razor cap is not original? I'm understanding this correctly?