Help dating a Gillette Criterion(pics)

[dillon_b12]

I bought this locally today, and need some help figuring out the production date. There is a serial code stamped under the head, but other than that I can't find much.

 

[RKG]

Sure looks like this one:
http://mr-razor.com/Rasierer/The%20NEW/1930%20De%20Luxe%20Criterion%20Gold.JPG

Pristine. Amazing!

 

[dillon_b12]

So were these only made in 1930? Unfortunately, the handle has a small crack near the head. Otherwise, the razor seems to be basically perfect if not unused. Given the condition and the price, the crack didn't scare me off.

 

[Jake]

Beautiful set. Great score! Enjoy it -- provides excellent shaves.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

Nice! I gotta hit the local antique shops a.s.a.p.!

 

[dillon_b12]

 

[huck1680]

Very nice and a great shaver as well!

 

[mblakele]

Very nice, and a low serial number. I have one in chrome, also with a handle crack. It seems to be stable.

 

[BBrad]

Very few of the NEW Deluxe razors were produced. The country was in The Great Depressions, and Gillette was in the process of being "merged" with Auto-Strop. Before long, production of Deluxe razors stopped completely.

Not a common razor, in great condition, with the outside box. Great Score!!! Congrats!!

Too bad it didn't have Kro-Man blades with it . . . wouldn't that be awesome??

 

[Ollie4ISU]

My NEW De Luxe has a similar crack. It is quite an aggressive razor...

 

[LiveOak]

I have a New De Luxe Norfolk which I found in an antique store several months ago. I had no idea they were that hard to find. I shaved with it for the first time today and loved it. I didn't find it aggressive at all like Ollie did. Now I'm going to baby it like there's no tomorrow.

 

[Ollie4ISU]

I guess it seems aggressive to me. Moreso than a NEW LC or SC. The blade gap looks to be greater, plus the added weight made it more aggressive on my face. One of those YMMV deals. They are a beautiful razor, of that there is no doubt. Enjoy it!!!

 

[lungho]

I own one of these, though your razor is in far better condition than mine. According to my research, the razor is from the 30's. I've only shaved with it once....and only once. To me, it makes the R41 seem mild.

Whatever the case, you got one beautiful razor. Congrats!

 

[marbs34]

I know this isn't very helpful. But y first instinct when reading the topic was that you were possibly on a trial period of use wit this razor. Other than that my only other advice to offer would have been to ask it out for dinner.

 

[mblakele]

The extra few grams of head weight certainly makes a difference, but there are also at least two New Deluxe head variations. I find the one on the right a little more aggressive than the one on the left.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Looks sweet, Minty for sure, dont feel bad about the small crack, I have same set complete with outer box, and instructions, New Never used, and mine has a tiny crack as well /

 

[dillon_b12]

Thanks for the information guys.

So, is there any way to reliably date razors from this era?

Also, is the plain cardboard box what these razors were shipped in? It seems like that would have been the case, and then the more decorative box was for displaying on store shelves.

 

[IronHammer]

The plain cardboard was used as an outer shipping box. The fact that your New Deluxe was numbered indicates it was made in 1930. They are very hard to find. It's hard enough just finding the razor but you have the complete set (minus the price tag, which would have been $5.00 at that time). And yours is in incredibly nice condition! Congrats!

Also, the crack in the handle isn't from misuse. It's actually a design flaw and likely happened before it ever left the factory.

 

[dillon_b12]

I'm not sure it's actually a "price tag", but the price was printed on both ends of the decorative cardboard box. Sadly, they have fallen off. I guess you can't expect much better from 80+ year old paper.

Also, one of the other pieces of the box that has fallen off has "No. 28" printed on it. Any significance to this?

Lastly, I checked the number under the head and IIRC it was "2034D".

Sorry for the blurry picture.

 

[mr-razor]

Thanks for the information guys.

So, is there any way to reliably date razors from this era?

Also, is the plain cardboard box what these razors were shipped in? It seems like that would have been the case, and then the more decorative box was for displaying on store shelves.

very nice find! Have a look to the date code on the blade. "A" is from 1930.