Thanks for posting this!
Did someone mention why they thought it was a mismatch? I went back and looked at Waits' Compendium -- and while he has a whole section on GEMs -- it is difficult to specifically date the razors and identify configurations....especially the Gem Junior Bars. My rough understanding has always been that the Gem Junior Bars with a lot of decorative script/scroll work came earlier (1907) and the non-script/minimal text (your model) came towards the end of production (1910). Some folks may think that the wooden handles came with the earlier models. So you put those two things together and someone might infer that the head doesn't go with the handle.
Excellent answer!Did someone mention why they thought it was a mismatch? I went back and looked at Waits' Compendium -- and while he has a whole section on GEMs -- it is difficult to specifically date the razors and identify configurations....especially the Gem Junior Bars. My rough understanding has always been that the Gem Junior Bars with a lot of decorative script/scroll work came earlier (1907) and the non-script/minimal text (your model) came towards the end of production (1910). Some folks may think that the wooden handles came with the earlier models. So you put those two things together and someone might infer that the head doesn't go with the handle.
Here's where I'm at based on what I've seen. GEM did a lot of different sets, and was fairly pragmatic about putting them together. So I can see this totally being a set, although mine (with that head) came with a much longer metal handle; but it also came to me without a case. I maintain that your set is NOT mismatched. While I don't have that particular razor, handle and case; I'm sure you would find others that do.
By the way, this is what I mean about different scrollwork:
This is one of mine with lots of decorative script and a wooden handle.
Here's the one I have like yours -- yours is in MUCH better condition and I seriously question whether my handle is "original", although others have told me they think it's likely original to the razor.
I hope this is helpful. The one challenge for those of us "purist" collectors, is there is no Mr-Razor like site that I've seen for the GEMs. There are some excellent tables/spreadsheets that have really helped narrow somethings down:
American Safety Razor Dating Chart; but I haven't seen a pictorial site on that maps out the various GEM Junior Bars -- probably because GEM produced and packaged so many. Hope this helps.
Did someone mention why they thought it was a mismatch? I went back and looked at Waits' Compendium -- and while he has a whole section on GEMs -- it is difficult to specifically date the razors and identify configurations....especially the Gem Junior Bars. My rough understanding has always been that the Gem Junior Bars with a lot of decorative script/scroll work came earlier (1907) and the non-script/minimal text (your model) came towards the end of production (1910). Some folks may think that the wooden handles came with the earlier models. So you put those two things together and someone might infer that the head doesn't go with the handle.
Here's where I'm at based on what I've seen. GEM did a lot of different sets, and was fairly pragmatic about putting them together. So I can see this totally being a set, although mine (with that head) came with a much longer metal handle; but it also came to me without a case. I maintain that your set is NOT mismatched. While I don't have that particular razor, handle and case; I'm sure you would find others that do.
By the way, this is what I mean about different scrollwork:
This is one of mine with lots of decorative script and a wooden handle.
Here's the one I have like yours -- yours is in MUCH better condition and I seriously question whether my handle is "original", although others have told me they think it's likely original to the razor.
I hope this is helpful. The one challenge for those of us "purist" collectors, is there is no Mr-Razor like site that I've seen for the GEMs. There are some excellent tables/spreadsheets that have really helped narrow somethings down:
American Safety Razor Dating Chart; but I haven't seen a pictorial site on that maps out the various GEM Junior Bars -- probably because GEM produced and packaged so many. Hope this helps.
It is beautiful, and should give you an AWESOME shave.
How do I go about getting to this link (TALC) I cant seen to get to this page every time I click on the link it says I dont have permission to do that.
Sorry, I just saw this, but I posted the answer in another thread. B&B requires at least 10 messages (posts) before letting you access any Clubs or Brotherhoods.
I see that thanks again
