Gillette Milord

[WVUfanMG]

So, I saw this on the bay, and it was listed as a "Milford." Didn't have any bids, so I was a bit leary about the pricing on it. That being said, I don't have one, and it looks to be in very good condition. From what I can tell, it looks to be a '48-49. Is there a way to tell exactly what year it is? Thanks folks!

It would help if I linked the razor....duh!

LINK

 

[mistercitizen]

Oops. Links to live auctions are not allowed.

Ben

 

[WVUfanMG]

It's not live...I bought it last night.

 

[mistercitizen]

It's not live...I bought it last night.

Oops . Sorry about that.

I don't believe there is a way to tell exactly what year it was made. It would've been 1947-50 I believe. The Milords before 1947 had a smooth band at the bottom of the handle I believe. Some of the very last Milords had date codes. I actually have one with an X1 (1952) date code.

The one you bought is in great condition based on the photos. Very shiny doors. The case has some wear on the outside, but the inside of the case even looks great. Great find. They shave just like a 40's style Super Speed..... very smooth shavers.

Ben

 

[WVUfanMG]

That's kind of what I thought. The photos of those years are very similar. I couldn't pass it up because it looks to be in great shape and the case (interior), like you said, looked great. Most of them I've seen have gone for much more than that in the case, and it will be a great addition to my collection.

Thanks for the info!

 

[mistercitizen]

Here is an example of an older Milord variant made in 1940..... the Milord Tech. Notice the smooth band at the bottom of the handle. This one also did not have endcaps. There must've been different variations of the Milord in the 1940's, because I'm sure I've seem some with the smooth band as well as endcaps.

Ben

 

[mistercitizen]

That's kind of what I thought. The photos of those years are very similar. I couldn't pass it up because it looks to be in great shape and the case (interior), like you said, looked great. Most of them I've seen have gone for much more than that in the case, and it will be a great addition to my collection.

Thanks for the info!

It's a great buy. If you've never shaved with a 40's style, you're in for a treat. Congratulations!!

Ben

 

[WVUfanMG]

It's a great buy. If you've never shaved with a 40's style, you're in for a treat. Congratulations!!

Ben

I haven't had the pleasure yet, but I can't wait!

 

[mistercitizen]

This is one of the later ones with a date code:

Ben

 

[mistercitizen]

Some of the later ones had date codes, but not much else..... like my X1 Milord. Here is a thread that discusses those a bit:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/331314-X1-Super-Speed-Question

Ben

 

[WVUfanMG]

Additionally, I think I just went from having 0 Milords, to now owning 2 of them. This one looks like it will need a replate, but for the price, I couldn't resist.
LINK

 

[mistercitizen]

Additionally, I think I just went from having 0 Milords, to now owning 2 of them. This one looks like it will need a replate, but for the price, I couldn't resist.
LINK

Hey, great score. Yeah, at that price, why not? It will clean up better than you might imagine.... you may not even feel the need to get it replated. It looks like it will be a great shaver. Nothing crooked or out of whack looking about it. Very nice!!


Ben

 

[Haggises]

if memory serves - you have a 48/49 model. Notches on the middle bar thingy, but no date code. I don't think there's any way to differentiate between 48 and 49.

Looks to be in great shape - watch out for polishing that gold - it's pretty thin....

 

[Aschecte]

I have a 1950...... the only way to distinguish it was a 1950 was the fact that it has end caps.... was a notch BUT the pat nos on package which went all the way until 1949 read on mine Pat Nos on PKG which began in 1950 and they started adding the date codes in the 3rd quarter of 1950... mine has all the signs of a 1st or 2nd quarter 1950... so sometimes you have to look at the fine details to decipher what you probably maybe might have. At least that is what I do.

 

[alex2363]

If it has notch and "PAT. NOS. ON PACKAGE" on the head it's 48-49, Notch and "PAT. NOS. ON PKG" in the head it's 1950. In mid 1950 they had a date codes.



Here is Mathew's beautiful razor

 

[Copierguy]

This is from a thread about an "American Rocket":

On U.S. Gillette razors:
The crease in the safety bar started in 1947.
The notched center bar started in 1948.
It is thought that "PACKAGE" was used into 1950.
The head/handle union or crimp is thought to have started in 1950.
A couple footnotes:
I was lucky enough to pick up a (1950) V-3 Milord recently. Both of these razors came in the same style case and head is mounted the same way.

 

[MacDaddy]

It is thought that "PACKAGE" was used into 1950.
The head/handle union or crimp is thought to have started in 1950.

Yes, these guides do seem to apply across all of Gillette's TTOs from this era, and should certainly apply to the Milord. We're pretty well sure that the "PACKAGE/PKG." change came during the year in 1950, so you'll find some '50s with either.

I have a suspicion that the change to the ring around the center shaft actually happened in late '49. I've seen a fair number of examples of each of the TTOs with the newer thin, raised collar still with the older cream colored blade dispensers. None have been reliably original enough for me to point to them as definitive proof, but the number of them alone is enough to make me lean that way. (My father was born in late '49, which is why I have a particular interest in this specific time range.)

 

[alex2363]

This is from a thread about an "American Rocket":

On U.S. Gillette razors:
The crease in the safety bar started in 1947.
The notched center bar started in 1948.
It is thought that "PACKAGE" was used into 1950.
The head/handle union or crimp is thought to have started in 1950.
A couple footnotes:
I was lucky enough to pick up a (1950) V-3 Milord recently. Both of these razors came in the same style case and head is mounted the same way.

Very good Tom, i remember that Porter and yourself did come to conclusion on the dating of these razors. I went by an older thread and Wiki as a source. I think we may have to update Wiki with the new references as a source. They seem to be viable date indicators.

 

[alex2363]

Yes, these guides do seem to apply across all of Gillette's TTOs from this era, and should certainly apply to the Milord. We're pretty well sure that the "PACKAGE/PKG." change came during the year in 1950, so you'll find some '50s with either.

I have a suspicion that the change to the ring around the center shaft actually happened in late '49. I've seen a fair number of examples of each of the TTOs with the newer thin, raised collar still with the older cream colored blade dispensers. None have been reliably original enough for me to point to them as definitive proof, but the number of them alone is enough to make me lean that way. (My father was born in late '49, which is why I have a particular interest in this specific time range.)

Your Dad's B day is 1949, so he is 64. That makes you still a young lad.....