Can anyone identify this razor?

[Daedalus207]

Today my grandmother sent me my grandfather's old razor. It is believed that he got it from his father. I have no idea how old it is, or what model it is, other than the Gillette logo of course. It came in a small (very rusty) steel case with a leather lining. If anyone knows what this is, and whether it would be a suitable razor for a newbie to safety razor shaving, that would be much appreciated.

I've soaked it in hot water and vinegar to disinfect it, and cleaned it up a bit with a toothbrush, but that's it. Yes, that is a crack in the handle visible in the first picture.

Thanks,

- Dan

 

[mmack66]

Ball End Old Type

 

[texbilly]

Ball End Old Type

That's it!

 

[DSB]

Ball End Old Type

Yep! I've never seen an old type WITHOUT a crack in the handle. It was a design or manufacturing flaw, and all the handles cracked over time, from what I understand.

 

[AsylumGuido]

Hi! Welcome to B&B! As mentioned, that is an Old Type. Now, that sounds kind of cryptic, but since it was the very first head design that Gillette ever made it really didn't have a name until the second design came out in 1921. Since its inception in 1904 it was simply known as the Gillette. Starting in 1921 the Gillette "New Improved" was marketed along side the "Old Type". The crack in your handle would most likely place it in the 1920's. If it was any earlier there would be a serial number on the guard plate where the blade would sit under the cap.

 

[Oldguy]

This is a nice old razor with family history. As a beginner I would not recommend it as a starting razor as it's fairly aggressive and requires one who has established good DE shaving technique. What I'm saying is to work your way into it. There are many inexpensive very good razors you can start with. All my choices are vintage Gillette starting with the 3 piece Tech or a '40's style Super Speed. You want your learning experiences to be good one.

So welcome and enjoy the experience you're about to embark on.

Len

 

[Daedalus207]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

Is it unusual that the razor is brass rather than being chrome plated? I would assume that there's no way the plating wore of the entire razor.

In any case, I decided to try my luck and I've been shaving with this razor for several weeks now. I've been getting good results comfort-wise but the closeness of the shave varies a lot.

 

[michiganlover]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

Is it unusual that the razor is brass rather than being chrome plated? I would assume that there's no way the plating wore of the entire razor.

In any case, I decided to try my luck and I've been shaving with this razor for several weeks now. I've been getting good results comfort-wise but the closeness of the shave varies a lot.

Your Gillette is made of brass, with a gold plating. The way you describe it, either quite a bit of the gold plating has worn off (quite possible given the age of the razor), or the gold plating is discolored (also quite possible, as I have a Ball End "Old", and "New" and both have discolored handles).

If you are getting good quality shaves with it, by all means please continue to use it. The Old Type is said to be more aggressive, which means it is less forgiving of less than perfect shaving technique: this leads to extra nicks, cuts.

If you are getting decent shaves, with a minimal amount of cuts, I see no reason to stop using this razor. If, however, you want to try something a bit more mild, a Gillette Tech can be had in our Buy/Sell/Trade area for $10-$15.

By the way, it is quite normal to not have great quality shaves at first. It takes a few weeks (maybe even a couple of months) to hone your technique to the point where you will have consistent repeatable results.

~John~