Gillette Sterling Silver Razor Set

[quailrunner]

I just made another great find with this Gillette Sterling Silver Razor Set. Only the case is marked sterling. The hexagonal case is 6 ½ inches long and holds both the shaving brush and the Gillette Razor. The razor is a bit unusual. It resembles the Gillette Decolletee Razor but is 7/16 inches shorter and yet, both razors weigh exactly 2.5 oz. The razor is quite hefty. The serial number on the razor’s head is 644459B, corresponding to the year of production of 1926.

It seems unusual to have a sterling silver case and not have a sterling silver razor with it. The razor, however, just fits in the case; a little longer like the Decolletee and it would not fit. I believe it is the correct razor for the case.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has a similar set or can give me more information about the one I have. Please don’t ask me to sell it. If I could get $1500 for it, I would sell it in an instantaneously; otherwise, it is going to be a nice addition to my collection.

 

[scottydoint]

I remember seeing that one. I didn't think it was a correct match. I did notice that it was a little shorter and thought that perhaps someone shortened the handle and put the bottom knob back on. The smooth section at the bottom isn't there like on a tuckaway.

 

[scottydoint]

I think if it is worth anything it would be the case selling it. I don't know how much sterling is worth. Probably no wear near $1500 if the case isn't original.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sterling-Silver...s=66:2|65:13|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[quailrunner]

You may be right, but someone would have to go to a lot of trouble to find just the right razor to fit the case perfectly and would have to have a reasonable amount of knowledge about Gillettes. I'm still sticking with the premise that the razor belongs to this set until I hear convincing evidence to the contrary.

Jerry

 

[the beav]

I did notice that it was a little shorter and thought that perhaps someone shortened the handle and put the bottom knob back on.

That seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a razor.

 

[scottydoint]

That seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a razor.

Maybe. There are several people who are replating them now and that is a lot of work.

 

[shaved_*****]

wait wait wait... that razor is smaller than your average Tuckaway? Jerry, could you show a side-by-side pic of that razor next to a Tuckaway?

 

[rodd]

I can almost guarantee that thing is shortened. It is not like Gillette to have the band on one end and not the other. Nice set though.

 

[thirdeye]

I can almost guarantee that thing is shortened. It is not like Gillette to have the band on one end and not the other. Nice set though.

That's true but it was like Gillette to produce a bunch of razors and sell them off to companies to make up promo and give-away sets with their own name.

I agree, this looks like it was cut down. I don't believe that this was a Gillette product at all.

 

[quailrunner]

With all due respect, the razor looks unadulterated to me. It is a 3-piece razor and it does not appear that anything was done to the handle. I am still awaiting proof, it it is indeed a mix and match Gillette Razor. I don't have a Tuckaway to photograph it next to this razor. I do have the Gillette Milady Decollettee and can take a photo of that one next to it, if you think it would help.

Jerry

 

[shaved_*****]

That's true but it was like Gillette to produce a bunch of razors and sell them off to companies to make up promo and give-away sets with their own name.

I agree, this looks like it was cut down. I don't believe that this was a Gillette product at all.

I would have to agree. There are no special markings and the serial number is nothing special.

 

[shaved_*****]

With all due respect, the razor looks unadulterated to me. It is a 3-piece razor and it does not appear that anything was done to the handle. I am still awaiting proof, it it is indeed a mix and match Gillette Razor. I don't have a Tuckaway to photograph it next to this razor. I do have the Gillette Milady Decollettee and can take a photo of that one next to it, if you think it would help.

Jerry

I think the milady handles were bigger than the tuckaway handles anyway.

 

[thirdeye]

Here, I just took a quick snap of a couple of mine side by side. They are the same size and both of them have the lower band.

Sorry for the quick and crappy pic.

 

[thirdeye]

Also, if you count the straight diamond pattern rows down the Mystery razor has 4 while mine have 6.

 

[quailrunner]

Ok. I consider myself to have an open mind, but this discussion is stretching credulity. I don't know if you are familiar with Occam's razor, and I'm not talking about Achim's razor collection. What Occam's razor states is that if something looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is most likely a duck. One doesn't have to go looking for some new genetic variant that is a cross between a duck and something else. In other words, the simplest explanation is usually the correct explanation.

The razor came with the sterling silver case. It fits into it perfectly. The finish on it is exceptional and its weight shows that it is something quite special. To hypothesize that some scheming person went to all of the trouble to mix and match a Gillette razor so that it would fit into this case is absurd. Just saying the razor doesn't go with this set does not make it so.

Jerry

 

[thirdeye]

Ok. I consider myself to have an open mind, but this discussion is stretching credulity. I don't know if you are familiar with Occam's razor, and I'm not talking about Achim's razor collection. What Occam's razor states is that if something looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is most likely a duck. One doesn't have to go looking for some new genetic variant that is a cross between a duck and something else. In other words, the simplest explanation is usually the correct explanation.

The razor came with the sterling silver case. It fits into it perfectly. The finish on it is exceptional and its weight shows that it is something quite special. To hypothesize that some scheming person went to all of the trouble to mix and match a Gillette razor so that it would fit into this case is absurd. Just saying the razor doesn't go with this set does not make it so.

Jerry

Oh ok....but a good number of use here have witnessed this many many times.

Again....

That's true but it was like Gillette to produce a bunch of razors and sell them off to companies to make up promo and give-away sets with their own name.

Let me add, Many of which where modified to suit their needs.

 

[mr-razor]

Very nice set!

 

[ctakim]

Very interesting razor! A sawed off silver Tuckaway??

 

[shaved_*****]

So lets say it is a "custom razor"... who cares! I has a sterling silver set and is quite stunning and unique. As a collector (and if I collected into the 20s), I would value such a piece much higher than the average tuckaway set. Here is something cool:

Out of a 1909 Gillette catalog... notice it the line "Seal Case, Sterling Silver razor... $12.00". Boy would I like to see one of those! Like a gold plated double ring!

 

[cutting_edge]

Great stuff Jerry, you really have a neck to find these little marvels...!