Gillette Super Speed (1953?) pics

[ryanasimov]

Just got this from eBay. I was hoping to find one from my birth year (1967), but this seems nice enough. The date code on the razor is Y1. The razor is in perfect mechanical shape; the TTO action is very smooth and the doors are exactly aligned. Also included with the purchase was the empty Blue Blade dispenser (but the used blades are in the receptacle in the back) and an unopened package of 4 Gillette Thin blades. I'm not a collector so I removed the cellophane but unfortunately tore the cardboard. The date code on the one blade I opened is W4 (1951?).

I haven't shaved with it yet. The weight is slightly less than my Merkur 34C daily-use razor. The knurling on the handle is very subtle and feels smooth but still provides enough grip when wet.

My first shave with it will be with my favorite blades: Shark Super Chrome. I'd like to try the old Gillette Thins for the novelty, but I'm wary. I'll probably just keep them with the case.

The forum wouldn't let me attach more than 5 photos, so here's a link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50277339@N08

 

[amspratt]

That's a very fine looking razor. Those 40's super speeds are really great razors.

 

[Sam Tyler]

I hope you're happy with your 'new' Super Speed. I have a 53 model as well but it was a Y-2 and wasn't in as fine of a condition as yours. But I like it still none the less and now you got me curious about a pack of gillite thins that came with my new 65 SuperSpeed...

 

[jlindy]

The date code on the blades won't tell you anything about the razor. In one of your photos I think I can make out X 1 which would put your razor as a 1952 first quarter.
These 40's Super Speeds are nice shavers, and you have a nice example.

 

[Antonio]

The date code on the blades won't tell you anything about the razor. In one of your photos I think I can make out X 1 which would put your razor as a 1952 first quarter.
These 40's Super Speeds are nice shavers, and you have a nice example.

It's definitely a Y and not an X. It is a little hard to tell though.

 

[Monkeydad]

BEAUTIFUL!

 

[jlindy]

It's definitely a Y and not an X. It is a little hard to tell though.

Guess I need new glasses... Still look like an X to me

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Awesome score! That's a nice looking razor you've got there. I'd be careful about using the vintage Gillette Thin blades. I tried one that was included with my Old Type when I bought it, and it was the furthest from sharp that I've experienced. Of course, YMMV and all that!

 

[Radar O\'Reilly]

The date code on the blades won't tell you anything about the razor. In one of your photos I think I can make out X 1 which would put your razor as a 1952 first quarter.
These 40's Super Speeds are nice shavers, and you have a nice example.

Ryan said that it was a Y1 razor, and the blades were W4.