Grandfather's Gillette old style

[Bermersher]

Hi there,

I recently took on the challenge of cleaning up my grandpa's old ball Gilette. Cleaning it got me thinking... It's in a "new" case, but it's an old style. Was this perhaps due to being sold at the end of the old style production? He would have acquired this in Nova Scotia between 1936 and 1940. Razor is made in Canada. What do you think?

 

[BigJ]

Looks GREAT!! Congrats on a wonderful heirloom!

Wish I could answer your case question.

 

[nemo]

That cleaned up nicely! Many razors ended up in swapped cases during their 80-100 years in this world. It happens.
Have you shaved with it yet? @Bermersher

Welcome to B&B!

 

[Bermersher]

That cleaned up nicely! Many razors ended up in swapped cases during their 80-100 years in this world. It happens.
Have you shaved with it yet? @Bermersher

Welcome to B&B!

Thank you! I just used baking soda and a toothbrush, and a lot of elbow grease. I haven't shaved with it yet but I plan to soon. I've heard it's a pretty aggressive shave which might be why my grandpa used it his whole life - thick hair runs in the family.

 

[Bermersher]

Looks GREAT!! Congrats on a wonderful heirloom!

Wish I could answer your case question.

Thanks! Razors are such a personal thing it's surprising how much meaning is tied to them.

 

[Alum Ladd]

That cleaned up nicely! Many razors ended up in swapped cases during their 80-100 years in this world. It happens.
Have you shaved with it yet? @Bermersher

Welcome to B&B!

Yep.

That case is a 1930 Berkshire NEW set I think.

It must have found it's 'new' case many decades ago. Interesting the Mr Razor example has a French language advertising copy with it. Maybe a French export set that made it's way to Canada?

The Old is a great shaver. Enjoy using it while thinking of your Granddad!

 

[Spy Car]

What a treasure to have your grandfather's razor!

And such a beauty. Congratulations!!!

Bill

 

[Bermersher]

Yep.

That case is a 1930 Berkshire NEW set I think.

It must have found it's 'new' case many decades ago. Interesting the Mr Razor example has a French language advertising copy with it. Maybe a French export set that made it's way to Canada?

The Old is a great shaver. Enjoy using it while thinking of your Granddad!

Interesting find! This makes me think that perhaps my grandpa picked up the case in France when he served in the Canadian Army in WW2. Maybe he brought the razor with him and picked up the new case somewhere...