Gillette Safety Razor Company

[JdB]

Gents,

I bought an old (but never-used) razor from a Dutch secondhand-stuff website.

Can somebody tell me more about this razor?

What model is it?
From which year?
How does it shave?
What is the dark-brown finish or is it discoloration?

Pleased to hear if anybody can tell me more!


Happy shaving!

JdB

 

[PaulX608]

It's a Gillette Tech. Appears to be military issue. I would say from around the end of WWII to early 50s. Mild shaver.

 

[Monkeydad]

Looks like a military issued Tech. 40s or 50s maybe? I know someone will know the date.

On the underside of the chrome-looking piece...is there a letter on one side and number on the opposite site? This would be the date code.

 

[JdB]

Thanks for your help!

There is an S on the chromed plate, wonder what it means...

Could the razor be from aluminium? When I tap it with my finger it sounds like a light alloy, it does not weigh much also.

 

[Hoos]

It a GI WWII issue razor. It may be made of aluminum. Another variation is a Bakelite handle and the same head.

I've only seen a couple with the actual cardboard box, though.

 

[Monkeydad]

S would be the date code for 1947.

http://www.geocities.com/safetyrazors/gil_ser2.htm

 

[AsylumGuido]

That slotted handle is brass. The cap should be brass, as well. The guard plate however may be steel. Give it a magnet test.

 

[JdB]

S would be the date code for 1947.

http://www.geocities.com/safetyrazors/gil_ser2.htm

Tnx for the link! Strange idea that this razor found it's way to Holland and remained unused for over 60 years...

The carton box does not look that old, but if it was stored in the dark (no UV) it could well be though.

Maybe the razor got here with the "Marshallplan" which also started in 1947.

How can I get back the brass colour? By dumping it in some special liquid or by polishing?


Thanks so far

 

[AsylumGuido]

Tnx for the link! Strange idea that this razor found it's way to Holland and remained unused for over 60 years...

The carton box does not look that old, but if it was stored in the dark (no UV) it could well be though.

Maybe the razor got here with the "Marshallplan" which also started in 1947.

How can I get back the brass colour? By dumping it in some special liquid or by polishing?


Thanks so far

It is supposed to be a dull black like that. The base metal is brass but it intentionally has the dull finish to prevent a reflective surface when out in the battlefield. Shaving with a shiny razor can draw unwanted gunfire.

 

[valmara1971]

It is supposed to be a dull black like that. The base metal is brass but it intentionally has the dull finish to prevent a reflective surface when out in the battlefield. Shaving with a shiny razor can draw unwanted gunfire.

That's never a good way to make friends!

Nice find, I'm going to trawl all my local junk shops from now on.

 

[JdB]

It is supposed to be a dull black like that. The base metal is brass but it intentionally has the dull finish to prevent a reflective surface when out in the battlefield. Shaving with a shiny razor can draw unwanted gunfire.

That sounds a bit too adventurous/green-berettish to me for a razor, but I might be wrong!

Not to make a point but the shiny high-reflective chrome plate kills the stealth-effect of the razor if you ask me...

By it's nature, every brass gets this darker colour with the years... Old cartridges (let's stick around in the world of guns) are also dark green-brown.

But anyway, maybe I will just leave it like this. Hope nobody will shoot at me while shaving in my bathroom-battlefield!

I know that I am very happy with this piece of history.

 

[JdB]

That's never a good way to make friends!

Nice find, I'm going to trawl all my local junk shops from now on.

Try e-bay: there should be a lot more of these forgotten Techs on ceilings all over Europe!

 

[luvmysuper]

Never, ever doubt the Guido.

Thanks again Achim for your wonderful site.

 

[Joker]

Those are very cool! I have collected military rifles for a long time. I never thought of collecting military razor sets.

Oh no I think something just bit me

 

[SilkySmooth]

Never used my foot!

 

[merwtje]

Give it a clean with an old tooth brush and soap and it will be nice black again. Nice find