Can you help me identify this razor?

[TexLex100]

I found this razor while going through my late fathers boxes. I am a new to DE shaving and don't know what this razor is. I would appreciate advising. As you can see from the pictures, it is chipped/discolored in more than one spot on the top part, and the handle has a long crack and seems to be missing the bottom "stopper"? (you can tell I am newbie by using strange terms!). Apologies for the poor quality picture but I don't have a good camera with macro.

I don't know if it is salvageable, and I know I probably wont be able to use it, but I will keep it for sentimental value. Cheers.

 

[Heespharm]

Looks like a vintage gillette copy... Are there any markings

 

[TexLex100]

I looked and it turns out the name Gillette is shown and the words "Made in USA", written in the underside of the head. I couldn't find any other text. Here is another picture. The razor is mangled up!

 

[dcobranchi]

It is a ball-end Old Style. The ball appears to be missing. They often fall out as the handles were susceptible to splitting. You could probably use it as is, or pick up another ball end handle. They're very common.

This is what itlooked like: http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old Type/1920s Genuine.jpg

 

[Jeff_H]

Yep, ball end Old Type. It's definitely useable. You can use the handle as is, or as was mentioned above you can probably buy just a replacement handle; or perhaps an entire replacement razor just to take the decent handle to put on your fathers razor. Gillette parts are readily interchangeable among identical razors and the handles are almost universal among 3 piece Gillette razors.

So, you can certainly use your fathers razor. Either as is or with a replacement handle. I think you will find it a very nice shaving razor. It's much different than shaving with a cartridge razor, but once you understand the technique and products required it is a much better shaving experience. A smoother shave with less skin irritation and risk of ingrown hairs could be in your future.

 

[TexLex100]

This is very interesting, many thanks for the feedback. So, I should look on ebay for the handle, or are there other better places to look? what about the top part? it is chipped in a couple of places. Can it be restored somehow, or would restoring it cost more than buying a new (old) one?

 

[Jeff_H]

Ebay is a good place, Etsy, local pawn and antique shops. You can very likely get an entire new (used) razor as cheaply as you will just the handle, but you never know. You should be out under $20 in any case.

As for the chips on the cap and base plate, it is just the nickel or silver plating that is chipping off the brass. It is absolutely restorable. Yes, it will cost more than buying a new/old razor, but the sentimental value of restoring and using something of your fathers or grandfathers is priceless for some of us. It may be to you as well. Depending on your choice of material, nickel, silver, chrome, gold, rhodium, you can spend anywhere from $30-$35 up to nearly $100 getting it replated. So, $10 or so for another old razor to get an original style handle and another $40 to get it plated, maybe less. You are into the deal for $50 plus some time and you will have your dad's razor better than the day it was new and it will be something you can pass down to your children and grandchildren. Is that worth $50? To me it is.

 

[TexLex100]

Jeff,

Absolutely! this would be a very cheap price to pay for restoring something my dad used to use, Lord knows how long ago! So, I will start looking for a handle/razor. For the restoration, do you recommend a certain place? I am worthless as a handy man so I would prefer to send it to a specialized place. I googled razor restoration and came across Razor Emporium. Do you all have any experience with it? or do you recommend other places? Cheers.

 

[Jeff_H]

I have no personal experience with Razor Emporium, but have not heard the best reports on their quality or service. I do not wish to disparage a company I have no experience with, so I suggest you do a search here. You should find more than you'd ever want to know.

If you want nickel or chrome, there is a member here named Krona Kruiser. You could PM him and I can attest to his lovely work in nickel. Nickel is what most silver colored Gillette's were starting sometime in the 40's, maybe the 30's. Your razor may have been silver originally, which doesn't wear quite as well, but is certainly beautiful. I have a silver razor just like yours from my grandfathers birth year, although unfortunately it is not his. I plan to redo it in either silver or rhodium. Rhodium will not tarnish like silver.

If you want anything other than nickel or chrome, I suggest Dave at www.restoredrazors.com His work is stunning and worth every bit. He works in all materials. He is in the UK, so it may take just a bit longer with shipping, but well, well worth it.

 

[TexLex100]

This is super useful. Many thanks Jeff!

 

[Jeff_H]

Sure thing. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. I will do whatever I can to help.