How to distinguish an aluminum Gillette #58?

[apino]

I'm under the impression that there's no (simple) way to tell an aluminum Gillette #58 from a nickel-plated one, am I correct? Apart from handling it or trying to judge by the shine of the finish, that is.

According to Shavewiki, there is one version stamped pat. pending and one with the patent number 694,093. They all came in a red case of which there were three types (that I know of): one with a red leather "ring" around the TTO knob and another one without. The third one was the Coronation case.

Is there any consistency/logic between the aforementioned patent markings, razor materials and cases or were they just mixed together at "random"? I've read that in the Coronation set the razor may have been rhodium but I think that's all I've been able to gather.

 

[Stubblefield]

Other than the weight? Hard to say which style case came first, tho the earlier models (shown on Achims websites) seem to have the ring.

Love the #58; it is the only solid bar razor I retain.

 

[Bertilak]

By the weight? Not trying to be a smarta$$, BTW.

I agree. I have handled aluminum razors and there is little doubt, based on the weight alone, that they are not brass, steel or even pot-metal. Aluminum handles often have a finer cross-hatching as well, but I wouldn't be surprised if this observation is just my limited experience.

 

[apino]

I agree. I have handled aluminum razors and there is little doubt, based on the weight alone, that they are not brass, steel or even pot-metal. Aluminum handles often have a finer cross-hatching as well, but I wouldn't be surprised if this observation is just my limited experience.

Sadly in this part of the world (Scandinavia) quality vintage razors are very hard to come by - I have so far been unable to find one single safety razor at the local flea markets! So for me, eBay it is (unless you get lucky here at B&B with shipping outside Conus).

Looks like it's gonna be hit and miss then with the #58. Seems to be the same with HD Rockets that have Pat. Pending in the blade tray (it's hard to tell if it's aluminum from blurry pictures).

 

[Lando]

I wouldn't dismiss the aluminum razors out of hand. They can actually be very good to shave with. I have an aluminum #58 and it shaves nicely.

 

[apino]

I wouldn't dismiss the aluminum razors out of hand. They can actually be very good to shave with. I have an aluminum #58 and it shaves nicely.

That's a good point. It's just that you hear heavier = better shaving so often here that you get kind of "brainwashed" into thinking so. My 70g Aristocrat Jr. shaves great but so does my 50g (or so) Merkur 23C. They are just different.

And I believe the aluminum #58's re-sell value isn't that bad, is it?

 

[mr-razor]

I'm under the impression that there's no (simple) way to tell an aluminum Gillette #58 from a nickel-plated one, am I correct? Apart from handling it or trying to judge by the shine of the finish, that is.

According to Shavewiki, there is one version stamped pat. pending and one with the patent number 694,093. They all came in a red case of which there were three types (that I know of): one with a red leather "ring" around the TTO knob and another one without. The third one was the Coronation case.

Is there any consistency/logic between the aforementioned patent markings, razor materials and cases or were they just mixed together at "random"? I've read that in the Coronation set the razor may have been rhodium but I think that's all I've been able to gather.

Yes, there are 3 cases:
1953 without loop around the knob and with crown (Coronation set)
1953-1955 without loop
since 1956 with loop

... and there are 3 razors:

1953/54 Patent Pending nickel plated
1953 (?) Patent Pending aluminum made
since 1955 Brit.Pat.694093 nickel plated

I´m not sure, but I believe that all Coronation razors are aluminum made (maybe my #66 Coronation set is a mismatch). I know only, that the #45 Coronation set is aluminum made

 

[apino]

Thanks for the info, Achim. So it seems a patent number is the "safest" way to tell it's not aluminum. I believe that applies to HD Rockets also.

BTW, as the #58 has a heftier handle than the HD, how come some non-aluminum 58's are reported to weigh under 70 grams - less than an HD, that is? 67g, if I remember right (70g being the heavier weight I've seen listed).

And while we're at it, what is it that makes the #58 so much better than the HD Rocket? Everyone seems to think so anyway. Better weight distribution, build quality, knurling, looks? If there's not much difference to the shave, I might as well settle for an HD first as I'll probably get one cheaper.