Beauty is only skin deep? Here's proof!

[Gray Wolf]

I found this ugly looking razor at an antique store a few days ago.
It didn't clean up well for me, and it's fairly heavy, but I had to give it a try, and it gave me the best shave that I've had in a while! And that was with generic Wal-Mart blades!
Now I need help from the august body of gents here at B&B.
First, I need to know just what this razor is-I know it is a Gillette of some kind, but what exactly? It has numbers on it 381213B.
Second, is it worth getting it restored/replated?
Third, which of our fine members does that kind of work?

The beautiful fat handle Tech that I got courtesy of Texbilly was my favorite
until now!

 

[luvmysuper]

1923 New Improved.

Often referred to as a New Standard, or a Richwood or a Bostonian because that is the name of the sets they were sold in.
Great Score!

Pictures courtesy of Mr. Razor (thank you Achim)
.

 

[ctakim]

That is a New Standard that was originally gold plated but probably has lost most of that thin gold and is now mostly brass. It is a superb open comb shaver. This razor could be called by several names depending upon the case it was sold in. Examples include Bostonian, Richwood, and several others.

You can consider replating it, but you might just want to keep it as it is for your shaving rotation pleasure. With a bit of polish and elbow grease, the brass can also shine up pretty nicely, too!

 

[BBrad]

Very Nice!!!

My Bostonian is my "special occasion" razor . . . very smooth!!

 

[Gray Wolf]

Thanks Gents!
At least now I know what it is.
ctakim, I'll probably take your suggestion, what polish do you recommend?

 

[luvmysuper]

Thanks Gents!
At least now I know what it is.
ctakim, I'll probably take your suggestion, what polish do you recommend?

Try Blue Magic, available at Auto Parts stores like Pep Boys or Autozone. I use it and it works great! Cheaper than many of the other polishes mentioned on this board.

Many folks also like Maas or Flitz
.

 

[Gray Wolf]

Great, I've got some Flitz, and a can of Never Dull around here somewhere.
I was uncertain about giving the guy at the antique store $6.50 for it, but after trying it out, I'm sure glad I bought it.

 

[ctakim]

I use Fitz and Maas for finishes that I don't mind taking a little wear to. Just be aware that these are abrasive polishes, so don't take it to that lacquered gold finish!

 

[T Rick]

Best to determine if there is gold there (maybe dulled) or if it is simply brass. I have a glod Big Fellow that looks a lot like that.

Many of the polishes mentioned will remove any remaining gold plating in short order.

I'd first try to clean it up with hot water and toothpaste/toothbrush. If you're certain it's brass, go at it with any (but use caution not to smooth the textured areas). Never Dull works great on brass (but again, will remove any gold very quickly).

Have a look at the tube that rests inside the handle. These areas often suffer the least finish degradation, and can serve as a comparison to other areas. I am frankly not certain what I'm seeing on much of this razor is not the original gold (dulled a bit). If I'm right, it won't shine, but would still be a shame to remove it.

 

[Topgumby]

They are great shavers.

One of the milestones on my continuing journey of Wet Shaving knowledge was learning to love open comb razors.

At first, I thought they were aggressive monsters, now, I find most safety bar razors to be a bit vanilla compared to the shave I get with an open comb.

Congrats on finding a great razor at a fine price.

 

[SRock]

Great razor.

 

[Gray Wolf]

ctakim nailed it, it was gold, but most of the plating had worn away.
There are still minute traces of the plating left, but it's mostly brass and shined up very nicely with Nevr Dull polish.
I'm curious about what it will do for me with better blades!

 

[JoeH]

So how did it shine up? (Pictures?)