British #66 Aristocrat

[Jake]

Well I've had my share of these beautiful and well made razors, but this is one of those time machine sets. Somebody somewhere stored this set (unfortunately without the shipper) in an airtight (or possibly nitrogen packed) environment for the past 50+ years. No oxidation. No staining. No wear. No use.

So our great friends -- the Brits -- made rhodium plated razors for several decades and this model seems to have been the pinnacle of their workmanship and craft. They shave reasonably well, but it's a rare razor that outshines -- or presents a more aesthetic style than the #66 set. At least that's my opinion. I'm sure there are others who have a different opinion. If so, please bring them on...

Right from the condition of the case, I knew this was going to be a really minty set.

Really an amazingly pristine set and what a challenge to get some photos that can show the brightness of the rhodium plating.

Hope you get a chance to try one of these classic Aristocrats from the UK. They are really excellent razors.

 

[Dr Roadrash]

Jake,
I believe you have just redefined the word pristine with this set, thanks for sharing quite a stunner.
Aaron

 

[jbradley]

That's a beauty alright. It's enough to make me kick my OCRAD and go back to a guard!

 

[ChiefBroom]

Sweet! But as you know, I personally think the #21 was the high water mark for Gillette in terms of TTO closed-guard aesthetics. Mine that I got from you is no longer my favorite daily shaver -- the #88 I got from you took over in that category -- but for simply taking in hand and beholding, the #21 still makes me just a little drunk.

 

[Jake]

Ahh... The elusive and wonderful #21. Well it's a fine razor but that disappointing aspect of the rhodium plating so frequently getting thin (or perhaps it started that way), so it just doesn't (usually) hold up like the #16 or #66. And the #66 seems to be almost the end of the line for the British Gillettes. Have to think they only got better over time.

 

[Jake]

And just today I received another #66 set -- like none I've ever seen or owned before. Must have been made for some sort of promotion. No Gillette name on it so it probably was never a production model, but certainly a cool design.

2 chrome plated cylinders -- for shave stick & brush -- and a blade case. In addition to the razor.

Nice leather case -- and the set looks like it was never used. Amazing!

 

[AceByTerror]

Dude! Do you have razor-fairies out there working the shops for you? What the hell!!??? Save some for the rest of us!

 

[ChiefBroom]

Dude! Do you have razor-fairies out there working the shops for you? What the hell!!??? Save some for the rest of us!

They're knock-offs.

 

[ras120]

Ahh... The elusive and wonderful #21. Well it's a fine razor but that disappointing aspect of the rhodium plating so frequently getting thin (or perhaps it started that way), so it just doesn't (usually) hold up like the #16 or #66.

Sad, but true. Though it does make finding one in pristine condition that much more special. The #21 and #66 are both stunners in the aesthetics department, but I find the #21 provides a far more satisfying shave.

 

[Mendel]

Breathtaking and beautiful!!!

 

[Jake]

Sad, but true. Though it does make finding one in pristine condition that much more special. The #21 and #66 are both stunners in the aesthetics department, but I find the #21 provides a far more satisfying shave.

Agreed.

 

[ChiefBroom]

Sad, but true. Though it does make finding one in pristine condition that much more special. The #21 and #66 are both stunners in the aesthetics department, but I find the #21 provides a far more satisfying shave.

I think I'm in the minority, but I find the #21 to be both more efficient and pleasurable to shave with than the #16.

 

[alex2363]

Well I've had my share of these beautiful and well made razors, but this is one of those time machine sets.

Ok, I was walking past your house and saw this...can u explain? does it have any relation to these pristine out the factory looking razors, Is your real name Marty?

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Very nice Jake,Love That Case.

I yet to have Found a case for my #66 Wish i Could find me a nice minty Case for my #66

I was Able to Acquire a About a Year Ago a New Old Stock from a Gillette Executive that passed away "That was the Story" and it was Confirmed from a member here who PM'd me to tell me That he had seen them before hand in person and also Bought one himself from the same seller that was in his town, But i cant Find a Decent Case / The Case that came with Mine was a Red with Clear top case That looks like the TV Super Speed Came in, Came with Blades if i'm not mistaken and instructions of the #66 as well, Guys help me find a nice Minty case Please )

 

[Mark1966]

A thread started by Jake you just KNOW will be stunning. This doesn't disappoint!

 

[huck1680]

Jake...words just don't describe properly how damn good-looking those razors are...congrats

 

[IWHC]

Exquisite!!!

 

[vsingh]

Completely aggree. I have the #16, #21, #58, #66 and the #70 and the #21 is the one that I keep going to. It is a sensational razor.

Very nice #66 by the way.

QUOTE=ChiefBroom;4152788]Sweet! But as you know, I personally think the #21 was the high water mark for Gillette in terms of TTO closed-guard aesthetics. Mine that I got from you is no longer my favorite daily shaver -- the #88 I got from you took over in that category -- but for simply taking in hand and beholding, the #21 still makes me just a little drunk.[/QUOTE]

 

[ChiefBroom]

Sad, but true. Though it does make finding one in pristine condition that much more special. The #21 and #66 are both stunners in the aesthetics department, but I find the #21 provides a far more satisfying shave.

+1 x 2 (though still looking).

The #16 and #66 are both beauties (and the #16 is magnificent), but to my eye the pair of smooth bands (which, unfortunately, attract fleas) on the #21 makes that razor simply stunning. Whoever designed it was a master. (I know the design concept was carried forward from earlier models.)

I bow.

 

[ironfist]

Really nice!!!!