Another ID Help Thread, SS.

[Dools]

It says D 1, and, it's obviously a Flare Tip....right??.......So, is it a 58' Flare Tip SS, or 83' Black Handle SS???

Thanks. I know it isn't worth much, but, to me, I am Very Happy to have it for the $2 I paid for it.....Finding them in the wild is fun!!

 

[BBrad]

It would be the '83 Super Speed. The 1958 design did not have the black-coated handle.

And, yes, although the TTO knob is flared, the term "Flare-Tip" is usually applied to the 1950s and 1960s style razors with the nickel-plated handle.

Your razor was the last of the various Super Speed designs, with the black handle and British-style base plate. Over the years they took quite a bit of material (and weight) out of the head, but they are still very capable shavers. It is certainly worth much more than the $2 you paid!

Congrats on the score, and enjoy the shaves!

 

[Dools]

Thanks for the info.

Looking at the side of the head, and comparing it to my other SS, you are correct, they have taken material out......all that is stamped on the bottom is the D 1 and Gillette without the diamond around it.

 

[Dools]

A nice, comfortable and conservative shave tonight.

 

[jbradley]

Does anyone else find the knurling on the handle a little different? More like the Weber handle than my 83 SS. I'd be interested in some closeups of it.

 

[BBrad]

If I remember correctly there was a change in knurling toward the end of the SS production . . . could have been in '83 but I don't remember for certain and don't have one in front of me . . . Alex? Porter? Achim? Guido?

 

[alex2363]

The first black handle Super Speed had anodized handle.
The later Super Speeds have a slicker painted handle and a slightly different interior head designl. The last versions of this classic shaver has a diamond patterned handle. These were made into the early 80's in the US.

here is more http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Gillette_Black_Handle_Super_Speed

 

[alex2363]

If I remember correctly there was a change in knurling toward the end of the SS production . . . could have been in '83 but I don't remember for certain and don't have one in front of me . . . Alex? Porter? Achim? Guido?

Hey, Guido is back!!!

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

I have two with date codes of O and P and yes the knurling is different than the older models of super speeds. I would say it is similar to the pre 50 super speed handle. Despite the lighter weight it surprisingly shaves very well.

 

[Copierguy]

This side by side is from this thread that suggests the changes took place in the 80s.

 

[alex2363]

This side by side is from this thread that suggests the changes took place in the 80s.

1979 to end of the 80's

 

[alex2363]

from Wiki : Notes of Interest: In 1978 the baseplate changed to a square design. In 1979 the knurling changed from a square pattern to a diamond pattern. In the same general timeframe, Gillette dropped the old Gillette Arrow logo

 

[Dools]

Thank You Very Much.

I Greatly appreciate your Knowledge and Etiquette.