Heirloom Acquisition, trying to learn more

[JSB33]

Been dipping my toe in the world of D/E razors, trying to learn as much as I can before trying it.
I asked my Dad if he still had his Fatboy around from back in the day, sadly he did not. But he mentioned that he had a set from his uncle. Uncle Jim passed about 30 years ago and my Dad inherited some of his belongings.

This is what he brought over for me.

Gillette 503B Serial no. C787615 (which if I am reading right, makes this a 1915?)

Since it appears to have never been used, I won't be the one to break it in. A permanent display piece.
Can the people who know about these things tell me if everything looks like it belongs here?
Thanks!

 

[JazzyJ]

Man, what a find. Gorgeous set, and the fact it's an heirloom makes it priceless. Everything looks in order as far as I know. That's an ABC pocket edition. I believe they were produced 1911-1913.

 

[Ron Scott]

Stunning. Congrats...

 

[Jeff_H]

Looks exactly like this one. Mr. Razor site says 1911, but I assume the "Pocket Edition", which is what you have, was made over several years. Extremely rare to find one in completely unused condition.

That is a beauty. Congratulations and enjoy.

http://mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old Type/1911 (158 on blade) Pocket Edition 503-B Canada.JPG

 

[Vivasanti]

wow!

 

[skleice]

 

[santamariasteve]

Let me play the devil's advocate here.

I would use it, and also keep it on display.

Can a razor really be called a razor if it has never given one shave?

I don't think it can be proven that it has never been used. The box looks used. The razor may have been used, and the owner was a fastidious type who really kept it clean and shiney. There are persons like that.

Also, this razor will be used by someone, someday. Do you feel that person (who may not be related to your family and who you may not even know) is more "worthy" to used this razor for the first time than you?

 

[JSB33]

Man, what a find. Gorgeous set, and the fact it's an heirloom makes it priceless. Everything looks in order as far as I know. That's an ABC pocket edition. I believe they were produced 1911-1913.

Priceless indeed. Uncle was a good guy who treated all of us as we were very special. The Serial No puts it at 1915 (I think)

Stunning. Congrats...

Thanks

View attachment 360389

Looks exactly like this one. Mr. Razor site says 1911, but I assume the "Pocket Edition", which is what you have, was made over several years. Extremely rare to find one in completely unused condition.

That is a beauty. Congratulations and enjoy.

http://mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old%20Type/1911%20%28158%20on%20blade%29%20Pocket%20Edition%20503-B%20Canada.JPG

I saw that page last night and found it to be very close. The bottom of the handle is different.

wow!

Thank you Sir

Thanks!

Let me play the devil's advocate here.

I would use it, and also keep it on display.

Can a razor really be called a razor if it has never given one shave?

I don't think it can be proven that it has never been used. The box looks used. The razor may have been used, and the owner was a fastidious type who really kept it clean and shiney. There are persons like that.

Also, this razor will be used by someone, someday. Do you feel that person (who may not be related to your family and who you may not even know) is more "worthy" to used this razor for the first time than you?

All good points. While I can't be certain, looking closely at this tells me that there is a good chance it was not used, or if it was, it was very little. My dad figured that it may have been a gift to him and that it was put away and forgotten about. Owner was a very humble man who lived well below his means his entire life.
Once I get some experience, I may give it a whirl, you never know.....

 

[tutordennis]

That is just beautiful. Enjoy it!

 

[grinbergs]

It's such a beautiful razor, but the fact that it is that old, in that condition - and not the least the story behind it - makes it a very special piece. I am glad that it stayed with your family all these years.

 

[ironfist]

What a fantastic piece you have, cherish it forever

I would love to have a relatives razor but unfortunately i don't think i ever will

Looks amazing!

 

[JazzyJ]

Priceless indeed. Uncle was a good guy who treated all of us as we were very special. The Serial No puts it at 1915 (I think)


Thanks



I saw that page last night and found it to be very close. The bottom of the handle is different.


Thank you Sir


Thanks!




All good points. While I can't be certain, looking closely at this tells me that there is a good chance it was not used, or if it was, it was very little. My dad figured that it may have been a gift to him and that it was put away and forgotten about. Owner was a very humble man who lived well below his means his entire life.
Once I get some experience, I may give it a whirl, you never know.....

From what I understand, those serial numbers are more good guesswork than exact cut-off dates. I always thought those were just made through 1913.

I don't think the bottom being slightly different means much. Gillette was notorious for mixing and matching parts, and there were several pocket set designs, all with slightly different handles.

I agree it looks unused. Maybe used once or twice, but to still have the paper between the head pieces on a 100 year old razor...wow.

 

[Nadir M]

Congratulations. It's beautiful.

 

[Redzone]

Beautiful razor and great story to go with it. Personally I would use it, as I did my Gold aristocrat that I am 99% sure was not previously used.
Either way you will enjoy it Sir !

 

[FL shaver]

Wow! That is an incredible gift. I say use it and enjoy it.

 

[codecheck]

Wow! Congratulations. David

 

[nemo]

Very nice, congrats!

Personally, I wouldn't use it. It's a fairly common and inexpensive razor to find if you want to try one but a specimen like that with all the trimmings -- is extremely scarce. Wrap it back up and stick it in your collection/display.

 

[rebos]

Wonderful piece. NOS and over a century old.

 

[Darkbulb]

Put me down in the 'do not use it' camp - if part of why you are enjoying this is because of how well preserved it is..odds are the next person will feel exactly the same about it - 50 years from now. Especially if handed down w/in the family.

Looks fantastic.

 

[bryant]

Very nice...place me in the "use it" camp.