Yes, I am on a roll. Today I took delivery of my wildfind 1939 Popular, found in Sweden for small money and seemingly a fine set, though the razor seemed from pics to have known better days.
This set came from a guy who told me that the razor was given to his grandad as a prize in a shooting contest waaay back! And it was never used as far as the guy knew. Fascinating.
In hand the set confirmed my expectations from the few pics I had seen:
New-to-me original Popular case on the right, identical 1938 case on the left. Popular cases had dotted engraving on the top.
On top of the thrill of finding a great condition case I have a few observations that I would love anybody’s input and thoughts on:
Comparison to another 1939 Popular (right) which I bought in full silver clothing...
What’s up with that? - Or am I just wrong in calling it silver (I am for sure no expert). As said, any input warmly appreciated!
As I don’t want 2 1939 models my intention is to use the case for the pictured silver Popular and then I plan to sell this new razor along with a nice other case I have.
Happy shaves, all!
This set came from a guy who told me that the razor was given to his grandad as a prize in a shooting contest waaay back! And it was never used as far as the guy knew. Fascinating.
In hand the set confirmed my expectations from the few pics I had seen:
- The razor is in great mechanical shape but needs a replate.
- The case is in superb condition, awesome in fact both outside and in.
- Some interesting additions: A Swedish language manual, a commercial leaflet for Gillette brushes and creams, and some blades.
New-to-me original Popular case on the right, identical 1938 case on the left. Popular cases had dotted engraving on the top.
On top of the thrill of finding a great condition case I have a few observations that I would love anybody’s input and thoughts on:
- First of all it is interesting that the set seemingly was delivered in Sweden with the exact same additions as my other set which was delivered to the UK one year before: Same commercial leaflet for brush/creams and same small manual, though in Swedish language throughout. So seemingly this was done in all markets?
- Another observation is that even though I’ve heard that Gillette never made Populars in silver I swear that this handle is silver plated (and the head nickel). It was quite black when I received it and see what it looks like after the good ol’e baking powder and tin foil trick:
Comparison to another 1939 Popular (right) which I bought in full silver clothing...
What’s up with that? - Or am I just wrong in calling it silver (I am for sure no expert). As said, any input warmly appreciated!
As I don’t want 2 1939 models my intention is to use the case for the pictured silver Popular and then I plan to sell this new razor along with a nice other case I have.
Happy shaves, all!
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