Found this locally and jumped on what I thought was a deal. The case says Gillette Milord. The razor is tight and smooth, but has plating issues. It's mostly gold, but the handle plating is really worn but the knurling still appears pretty good. Can someone confirm that the razor is correct for the case, and any info you might have about this mystery razor? Thanks.
Find of the day? or not. You be the judge
- Thread starter gmgaj
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I can provide additional pictures if it would help. I'm having trouble getting good closeups of the gold, but can do more if needed. Here is one final one of the top with open doors.
Yes, that is a Milord. The finish might not look as bad as you think. A nice bath and some gentle cleaning with a toothbrush might do wonders. Avoid polishing, that plating is thin.
Some have had good luck with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, some think that's too harsh. If you do go that route, use a plastic basket.
Some have had good luck with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, some think that's too harsh. If you do go that route, use a plastic basket.
That is a classic example of an ugly duckling razor that will turn into a beautiful swan if cleaned and polished correctly.
You paid $10?
+1 - that Milord should clean up nicely. I don't see any green!!
Its a Milford!
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I believe you found it. It was advertised for $10 on CL, and it turns out the guy gets leftovers from apartments as part of his business. He asked if I collected, and is keeping my number in case any more razors of any kind show up. Looks like I might potentially be in for some future finds as well. Double score!
The pictures really don't do it justice. The plating above the knurling is pretty good, and the knurling is the only really bad area for plating. Everything else seems pretty pit free, and reasonably clean. What would be the best way to clean it up without jeopardizing the remaining plating?
Also, is it unreasonable to assume that I cab at least get my $10 back out of it?
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LOL. I guess I can remove it from my favorites bar now. $10 is a good price for that especially since you're going to clean it up and make it shine all nice and bright. Enjoy the Milford!
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Is there a way to determine what year it is from? I believe it is 1948-1949, but am not sure. The box seems to match, the safety bar is notched, and there are no date codes. Anything else to look for?
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Looks like a 49. Here is a link to check out
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/One-Piece%20solid%20guard%20bar/1949%20Milord.JPG
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/One-Piece%20solid%20guard%20bar/1949%20Milord.JPG
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I think I'm going to use it tomorrow. Might as well figure out if it is going to work for me. 
Guess I'd better get it cleaned up tonight.
Thank you everyone for the information.
Guess I'd better get it cleaned up tonight.Thank you everyone for the information.
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Doesn't have a date code on the bottom of it, was made in 1947, 1948, 1949 or 1950. (If it does have a date code on the bottom of it, it was made 1950 or after)....other istinguishing feature between the 1946,1947 and later models would be presence or absence of notched center razor blade positioning bar, the 19 46 and 1947 were not notched, the later models were notched used with the new Speed Pak blade dispenser.
1946 Ranger Tech or 1947 Super Speedhave end caps but no blade notches, one tell which one it is, is by the handle. Ranger Tech has smooth band just above the TTO knob the 1947 Super Speed is fully knurled just above the TTO knob.
From the notched center bar and the wide, flat collar around the central shaft inside the blade bed, I'd say it's a '48-'49 model.
I, too, suspect there's a very nice Milord hidden under the gunk. I picked up a '40s-style SuperSpeed that was in similar shape, gave it a nice, long bath in hot water & Dawn, then scrubbed it up under hot water with a toothbrush. Night and day difference!
Terrific find!
Terrific find!
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It is soaking as I type. I'm going to give it a few minutes, then work it over with a tooth brush. It is looking better already. The worst parts seem to be the rust stains from an old blade left inside. They are coming off already, though.
Congratulations and enjoy the razor!
Yup, what ^ said.
The knurling looks to be built up soap and oils from the hands over the years. It's no light job but neither is it hard. I just went through that with the New De Lux I found recently.
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Interesting. I didn't work that area too hard thinking that it was just missing plating. I guess I will have to go back after that area this evening.
I tried shaving with it this morning, and didn't like it at all. Compared to my slim adjustable, it just isn't aggressive enough for my taste. More to sell later, I guess, but will be fun to work on in the meantime.
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