Gillette serial numbe enigma?

[T Rick]

Maybe the experts here can help make sense of this oe. Looking at a piece that has a long handle (as in Big Fellow long). Appears of the standard 3 piece config. like a Big Fellow, except the head is New or (more likely) New Deluxe style. But the serial number appears to be 156168 (seller says first digit might be a lower case L, but IIRC, they used only upper case and the L designated razors sent back for repair).

According to my memory of things posted here, the New and New Deluxe should be 1930 or later. Even allowing for the possibility that the last digit might be a B instead of an 8, that should put this as 1927 or earlier.

I'm not able to reconcile this with the Wiki Gillette dating info. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[Oldguy]

It's a New De Luxe Big Boy from 1930.

Len

 

[T Rick]

Thanks! In case you've also seen it, there is also a half inch crack in the barrel Seller says he wishes he'd noticed earlier. But you probably surmised there was a crack if you saw a picture.

 

[Oldguy]

1930
Only DeLuxe models were serial #'d, starting 1-D

In many cases the D was omitted. My Big Boy De Luxe from 1930 has a 5 digit number and no letters.

Len

 

[T Rick]

Thanks again! And I really need to get the time and read the Krumholz book, I finally got my copy earlier this week

 

[Oldguy]

Thanks! In case you've seen it where I have, there is also a half inch crack in the barrel Seller says he wishes he'd noticed earlier. But you probably surmised there was a crack if you saw a picture.

I didn't see this razor. I actually pass over ebay auctions on something I already have. Does it come with the metal case? It is really a very nice razor and a nice shaver. I posted a thread on this razor awhile back.

Len

 

[Oldguy]

Thanks again! And I really need to get the time and read the Krumholz book, I finally got my copy earlier this week

I generally get my dating info from here:

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

Len

 

[T Rick]

Thanks again! I did not say eBay BTW... , just thought it might be from a place you'd seen. And no case alas... I think I may pass on it too, due to the crack and lack of a case. I do reserve the right to change my mind though...