Flea Market/Antique Mall Find 1920's Old?

[Rockytop]

Hey guys. Found this last week in a bag with three other razors in a junk/antique store (cheap). It really cleaned up nicely. It has only the slightest of cracks in the top of the handle. You can see it in the first picture. I know it is an Old Type, 1920's, right? You don't see these everywhere. I was going to pass it on, but it is a work of art. Any info?

Thanks.

 

[Oldguy]

Hi Jeff,
It looks like you have the Old Type Single Ring made after 1921. I don't see a serial number stamped into the base of the combed blade guard or the patent date on one of the rings on the handle. It also appears the cap is the newer thicker type. Is there the diamond Gillette trademark under the razor? The Single Ring is one of my favorite razors. I have five starting with a 1906 model and ending with a model made in 1920. Except for the occasional crack in the handle the razor is very well made and has a very well plated finish. Yours looks very nice. Of course you can shave with this razor using modern blades but it will be more aggressive then the Super Speeds. It is a nice find. Enjoy it.

Len

 

[Rockytop]

Hey Len.

I don't see any numbers anywhere. It does have the Gillette logo under the comb, on the left hand side. On the right is stamped, made in USA. So that makes it.....?

Thanks.

 

[kingfisher]

Sweet razor.

 

[Hoos]

I'd say a 1921-22 Old Style Gillette.

The thicker caps were introduced around 1921 and Old Styles without serial numbers were made as late as 1922.

 

[Zumkopf]

Hi Jeff,
It looks like you have the Old Type Single Ring made after 1921. [snip] Of course you can shave with this razor using modern blades but it will be more aggressive then the Super Speeds.
Len

Does that make it the poor man's Red Tip?

 

[Oldguy]

It's more aggressive then a Red Tip. Poor man's? I value my Single Ring razors much more then my Red Tip. All five of mine have leather covered wood cases lined with satin and velvet. They are works of art and triple plated with real silver. But they are proudly displayed in my collection and only come out for a shave on special occasions. But to the non-collector wet shaver the Red Tip is worth more. It is a wonderful shaver. I have only one and treat it the same as my Single Rings in it's pristine case with it's vintage blades. In any case you can't go wrong with either.

Len