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How old is my Merkur Progress?

Hi all! I picked up a gold Merkur Progress from an antique shop, and I was wondering if anyone can help me date it.

Details:
-Gold plating
-Underside of head has "Merkurk Solingen Germany" and the Merkur logo
-Numbers on the adjustable knob are red, divided by lines
-Came in a small leather travel zip case with the only markings being "Merkur Solingen Germany" and again with the logo

I've tried reading up on how to date these types of razors, but to no avail. It could be ten years old for all I know. It looks brand new to be honest. But the case appears much older. Perhaps it's not the original case? Anyway, any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Here are some pics.

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I don't know, but that thing looks awesome. It looks near perfect! Nice find

Thanks. I've seen some similar models on this forum, but they generally have W. Germany instead of just Germany, and they tend to look a little more worn. So I assume this one is more recent (i.e. 1990s), but the case seems quite a bit older. Either way, I like the shave it gives, and I'm not looking to sell it, but I would like to know generally when it dates to just for sheer nostalgia's sake!
 
Congrats on a wonderful find!!

I can not date it for you but someone will be along with some info surely. I would be surprised if that is not the original case, also I believe I read somewhere that the "older" Progress razors had red numbers. But do not carve that in stone just yet.

My that is in like new shape. Is there a logo on the cap or am I seeing a reflection?
 
Congrats on a wonderful find!!

I can not date it for you but someone will be along with some info surely. I would be surprised if that is not the original case, also I believe I read somewhere that the "older" Progress razors had red numbers. But do not carve that in stone just yet.

My that is in like new shape. Is there a logo on the cap or am I seeing a reflection?

There's the logo on the white knob, but the top of the razor is just plain, so I think it's just a reflection.

It looks like it's a post 1990 razor, which is still cool. It's definitely in good shape, and I paid the same as what a new Progress would cost. However, it looks like the gold version has been discontinued, so there's a little vintage aspect to it still!
 
Welcome to B&B

Post 1990 when east and west formed Germany from West Germany an East Germany

If you have not already done so, stop into the Hall of Fame and tell everyone a little about yourself

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/30-Hall-of-Fame

Thanks for the reply. Well, I had a feeling it wasn't too old. It definitely seems like a new razor in terms of wear and tear. One day I'll snag an old 1940s Gillette or something and shave like my grandpa. Until then, I'll learn on my gold Progress.
 
Thanks for the reply. Well, I had a feeling it wasn't too old. It definitely seems like a new razor in terms of wear and tear. One day I'll snag an old 1940s Gillette or something and shave like my grandpa. Until then, I'll learn on my gold Progress.

Don't sell the Progress short. At one time I had 4 of them (3 custom and a stock). Now I am down to just one custom but I still think they ROCK!!!!

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Don't sell the Progress short. At one time I had 4 of them (3 custom and a stock). Now I am down to just one custom but I still think they ROCK!!!!

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That handle kills it! I'm not much of a fan of the newer stuff but that thing sure is nice.
 
@Turtle where did you get that razor or should I say where can that custom razor be purchased? I really want one of those.
 
Hi all! I picked up a gold Merkur Progress from an antique shop, and I was wondering if anyone can help me date it.

Details:
-Gold plating
-Underside of head has "Merkurk Solingen Germany" and the Merkur logo
-Numbers on the adjustable knob are red, divided by lines
-Came in a small leather travel zip case with the only markings being "Merkur Solingen Germany" and again with the logo

I've tried reading up on how to date these types of razors, but to no avail. It could be ten years old for all I know. It looks brand new to be honest. But the case appears much older. Perhaps it's not the original case? Anyway, any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Here are some pics.



The lack of a W. Germany logo indicates a after 1989 razor when W Germany and E Germany reunited, anthing after that would just have a plain Merkur logo. They were made from the 1960's to 1990.

The cases varied



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The lack of a W. Germany logo indicates a after 1989 razor when W Germany and E Germany reunited, anthing after that would just have a plain Merkur logo. They were made from the 1960's to 1990.

The cases varied



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Wow, thanks for the comparative images. While it'd be cool if the razor was a bit older, I had the best shave of my life today and I couldn't be happier. I really like the gold look of the razor. It just has such a luxurious feel to it in general. Definitely pleased with my purchase!
 
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