English Rocket arrived ... questions please

[IronHammer]

The Rocket I won on Monday arrived a few minutes ago. It certainly isn't gold but I am extremely happy nonetheless. The markings definitely say "Made in England" but it also has "Patent Pending" stamped on the inside blade tray. I know that determining dates of manufacture for English Gillettes are notoriously difficult but could that stamp be useful in determining an approximate date?

Also, the doors of this Rocket are so finely finished it reminds me of the quality of the American President or Executive! But there are fine blemishes on the doors I am hoping I can get out. Is it recommended to polish this finish? I don't want to ruin it.

Thanks! I have given it a quick wash in the office sink and snapped some crappy photos with my iphone. Here they are.

 

[xraygun]

Even though it's shiny, I'd still give it a good soak in hot water and soap.

Maas is a good polish for those doors.

 

[IronHammer]

I don't have a toothbrush here at my office but I did do a little cleaning with a dish soap and hot water.

BTW, I was totally unhappy with the other photos so I took some better ones.

 

[Mick]

I am going to use mine today after seeing your pics

Unless...... I get something special in the mail on my walk to the post office in a little while

 

[mr-razor]

sound like the 1953 Rocket HD:

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Very nice! I'm with Turtle, I'm busting mine out tonight.

 

[IronHammer]

sound like the 1953 Rocket HD:

Hmm. I don't think mine is an HD though because it's missing that distinctive groove at the top of the handle just below the neck.

 

[IronHammer]

I am beginning to wonder if it's actually an Aristocrat Junior! That would be marvelous because I have been wanting one! LOL!

I can hardly wait to shave with this tonight!!

 

[xraygun]

The Jr. has a flat bottom plate.

 

[IronHammer]

The Jr. has a flat bottom plate.

That is what I was thinking, too, based on my research on another shaving forum. But Achim's photo of an Aristocrat Jr (above in post #8) shows a diamond shaped blade tray so I am now confused! LOL! This is great fun though trying to identify this piece.

 

[rxonmymind]

Maas or blue magic. Either will do. Get a microsoft cloth swirl gently and you'll see the black come off or oxidation. Good luck.

 

[MacDaddy]

The patent in question, GB694093, was filed in 1948 but wasn't issued until July 15, 1953. So the "PATENT PENDING" razors could be from anywhere in there.

As far as I know, there isn't any good way to distinguish between a standard Rocket and a Rocket-style Aristocrat Junior, like the one in Achim's photo. They may have been exactly the same razor in a different case, or the Aristo may have gotten a better buffing and polishing job. I'd love it if someone could tell me different, though.

 

[inspiringK]

Hmm. I don't think mine is an HD though because it's missing that distinctive groove at the top of the handle just below the neck.

+1

That is what I was thinking, too, based on my research on another shaving forum. But Achim's photo of an Aristocrat Jr (above in post #8) shows a diamond shaped blade tray so I am now confused! LOL! This is great fun though trying to identify this piece.

I thought the giveaway for a Aristocrat Jr. is that it has the pat # 4300300 or something along that line? The flat baseplate just helps the cause.

 

[MacDaddy]

The Jr. has a flat bottom plate.

I thought the giveaway for a Aristocrat Jr. is that it has the pat # 4300300 or something along that line? The flat baseplate just helps the cause.

The earlier ones had the solid flat guard plate, but there were later ones that had Rocket-style heads, apparently. Achim's got two posted on his site, the one that IH posted the photo of above and an all-aluminum "paperclip" one:

 

[IronHammer]

Thanks Porter. As usual, you are a wealth of information! Knowing the patent dates really helps to narrow the date for this. I am also certain that there is no aluminum in my Rocket. After all this great info, I am inclined to think of it as an Aristocrat Jr *grin* if only because the head is so highly polished. I am dying to run home and start polishing but I just busted a tie-rod end on my truck so I am kind of stuck at work until my wife comes to retrieve me!

 

[Mick]

Just finished my shave with the Rocket. First time I have used it. Very impressed with this little Brit jewel

 

[IronHammer]

Just finished my shave with the Rocket. First time I have used it. Very impressed with this little Brit jewel

Woohoo! Cool, turtle. I'll be joining the club in a few hours.

 

[Mick]

Just noticed that mine has a indent in the top of the handle just before it tapers....

More pics... Maybe I DON'T have a Rocket after all

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Just noticed that mine has a indent in the top of the handle just before it tapers....

More pics... Maybe I DON'T have a Rocket after all

What do you mean by "indent"?

 

[mr-razor]

Hmm. I don't think mine is an HD though because it's missing that distinctive groove at the top of the handle just below the neck.

ups, my mistake - I was to fast. I believe your Rocket comes around 1950