Genuine Old Type?

[Ceri]

I've bought an Old Type from eBay and I'm not 100% on its provenance. Firstly arrived in the sort of bakelite case one usually finds later Techs in, and the head carries no Gillette branding merely 'MADE IN ENGLAND'. The build quality quality is a match to my other Gillettes of a similar vintage(see pic below), so is the paucity of markings a sign that had no patents to protect etc.?



left to right Old Type, Goodwill, NEW

 

[alex2363]

Does it have the Gillette logo? If so then atleast its made after 1908, other than that without the case its kinda hard to pin down.

 

[Ceri]

No logo at all, but if it's a copy the maker's been at pains to make an exact duplicate - the guard plate fits precisely to one badged 'Gillette'

 

[gregindallas]

I've got one of these. My guess is it's one of the many "no names" produced for travel kits. Handle is better (not prone to cracking) and it's a very very mild razor.

 

[MacDaddy]

Yeah, it's a clone of the Old Type by another maker. I've seen the same before with just the "MADE IN ENGLAND" under the head, like you're describing.

The reason that the parts are more or less interchangeable is that they pretty much have to be in order to work with the same razor blades.

 

[Ceri]

I've had another root around on Achim's site and found http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old Type/1928 (2355 on blade) Special Set No6 England.JPG which is called a Genuine Gillette(coincidentally I hasten to add). Different case tho. and the 'made in England' stamp differs too

 

[Ceri]

not arguing with the previous posters just caught up in the whole collecting thing.. I've recently bought a British single ring and a New Improved/Standard both in dire need of silver replating

 

[MacDaddy]

Here's a few old threads with razors similar to this one:

• open comb razor identification please
• Clone Ball-end or Gillette?
• Is This A Gillette Old Type?

In particular, check out Sled Dog's side-by-side comparison image in that first one:



Notice the differences in the ball, the taper of the neck, and the shape of the cap studs. Those are the same differences that immediately jump out about your razor.

 

[Ceri]

Here's a few old threads with razors similar to this one:

• open comb razor identification please
• Clone Ball-end or Gillette?
• Is This A Gillette Old Type?

In particular, check out Sled Dog's side-by-side comparison image in that first one:

View attachment 343653

Notice the differences in the ball, the taper of the neck, and the shape of the cap studs. Those are the same differences that immediately jump out about your razor.

Thanks, the only thing I noticed with mine was the colour difference - my 'Old Type' plating being yellower than the very bright Goodwill and NEW. Still, the clone won't look too scruffy sink-side