I found this open comb at a local antique shop. Not sure what it is or if the price is any good. A little help??
Can you tell me what this is?
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Looks like the elusive Gillette Gelding -- a ball-end Old Type that's no longer ball ended. 
The handle tube very commonly develops cracks at the ends and the pressed in fittings loosen and fall out. From the profile of the head I'd say it's a post-patent model (after the original patents expired in 1921).
The handle tube very commonly develops cracks at the ends and the pressed in fittings loosen and fall out. From the profile of the head I'd say it's a post-patent model (after the original patents expired in 1921).
I can tell you what it is ... its an accident waiting to happen.
That razor has a blade in it. Shame on the antique dealer who put it in the display case like that.
Even if you don't buy it, please inform the store that they should remove the blade for the sake of safety.
(But for $12, its worth buying, just to get the OC head.)
That razor has a blade in it. Shame on the antique dealer who put it in the display case like that.
Even if you don't buy it, please inform the store that they should remove the blade for the sake of safety.
(But for $12, its worth buying, just to get the OC head.)
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- #4
I noticed that too. It seems to be in issue in my area because a lot of the antique shops leave the blade in. Drives me nuts thinking of what could happen
I like the OC head too. hmmm... I'll probably just buy it. I though this whole thing was gonna save me money. She's gonna kill me... *starts thinking of hiding places*
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- #5
From the pics I've seen online I think you're right too. I would've never thought of it being a sorta broken ball end.Looks like the elusive Gillette Gelding -- a ball-end Old Type that's no longer ball ended.
For $12 why not if you like the razor. Give it a polish up a nice new blade and see how it shaves.
When I got my New from and antique dealer it had a blade in it, a few of the razors i have bought online have also had blades in them .... nasty.
When I got my New from and antique dealer it had a blade in it, a few of the razors i have bought online have also had blades in them .... nasty.
I see...
Gillette OC old type ball end missing the ball end as others have said.
Schick Injector in a case.
Travel wind up alarm clock
Straight Razor with maybe bone scales?
Parts of a display case.
Another plastic case behind the alarm clock in Pic #1
Also in Pic #1.... a vase and a bird tail.
Gillette OC old type ball end missing the ball end as others have said.
Schick Injector in a case.
Travel wind up alarm clock
Straight Razor with maybe bone scales?
Parts of a display case.
Another plastic case behind the alarm clock in Pic #1
Also in Pic #1.... a vase and a bird tail.
The butterscotch handle injector in the bakelite case looks interesting.
The bone scaled straight looks nice too, very old and looks to be in decent shape. The blade should be rust free and of reasonable width, though.
Make a lowball offer for all three.
The bone scaled straight looks nice too, very old and looks to be in decent shape. The blade should be rust free and of reasonable width, though.
Make a lowball offer for all three.
I treat razors like guns . . . I always assume they are loaded until proven otherwise!
Many antique dealers follow the old rule-of-thumb . . . accessories double the value of the antique. They're aware of the blade, and left it in on purpose!
What kills me is the unknowing eBay seller who just throws the loaded "gun" in a box. I picked up a nasty gash several years ago from a loaded eBay razor . . .
I'd also make an offer on all three . . . could be an interesting find on the straight! Besides, one can never have enough razors!!
Offer the dealer 8 bucks and see what happens. If he/she balks, point out that the razor is fundamentally flawed (missing the ball end of the handle).
They are selling it an an "Antique". To an antique dealer, any alteration could decrease the value to a potential buuyer, so they leave it in it's original condidtion. For someone buying a piece as a historical display piece (not as a shaving collectible) rust & patina are all part of the charm.
I totally agree with you, why on earth would they leave a blade in it ?????
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- #13
I've seen a ton of Schick injectors. Not sure if I want to add one to my small collection. Figured they were a dime a dozen cuz they are in every shop I've been to.
The straight was in rough condition. And besides, I told myself I'm not picking up any straights for awhile. We'll see how long that lasts. Lol
The straight was in rough condition. And besides, I told myself I'm not picking up any straights for awhile. We'll see how long that lasts. Lol
As others have pointed out, its either through carelessness or a desire to maintain the razor's resale value.
But we all know this is stupid, right? I can see leaving a half-used puck in a shaving mug, but a used blade? C'mon, Mr. Antique Dealer, use a little common sense here.
I've noticed numerous blades in razors, and even bought a few that way. But if I pass on the razor, I always mention it to the store employees on the way out. I have yet to return to a shop and see any of the blades removed from razors that I had seen on the previous trip.
BTW, when you're done shopping in an antique store, be sure to wash your hands on the way out. Who knows what kind of germs and bacteria might be lurking in the century-old grunge on most objects. Either use the store's restroom, or keep a small bottle of hand-sanitiaer in your car for moments like this.
I think that would most likely be dirt . . . same centuries-old stuff we walk on, that the old timers said we will eat a peck of in our lifetimes. Good news is that it cleans off with old-fashioned soap and hot water.
I would be more worried about the clerk that waits on you . . . the one with the runny nose who just sneezed all over the counter while you were emptying your wallet to complete the purchase . . . or the kid who just came out of the bathroom and grabbed the doorknob . . . those are worse than good-old dirt any day!
You're probably right, but I can't help but feel somewhat contaminated after handling various trinkets and curios in an antique shop. Most of these stores have a musty, mildewy odor throughout, and I wonder what might be lurking in the corners and cobwebs and drawers of some items that might have sat in somebody's attic or garage for a hundred years before making its way to the antique store.
I'm not germaphobic in general, but I do have a fear of doorknobs. When I use a public restroom, I will always use a paper-towel to grab the door handle on the way out. And when I have to open an outside door by pulling on it, I will pull down my sleeve to cover my hand before I touch the knob. If it is a swinging door, I will push on it with my shoulder, not my hands. My co-workers have noticed this habit of mine and commented, laughed and joked about it, but let 'em laugh, I refuse to change this behavior. Doorknobs are nasty, disgusting things, and I refuse to touch them if I don't have to.
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- #17
I'm not much of a germaphobe either but doors freak me out too. I hate bathrooms that have those stupid heated fans to dry your hands and no paper towels. Great for the planet, but how am I supposed to get out of the bathroom?!??
In places like that, I pull down my sleeve over my hand. Or you can use toilet paper. Or wait for the next person to open the door and catch it with your foot before it closes.
