ID help

[fingas]

I picked this razor in case with unopened blades. It appears to have a Z4 date (not too sure as i need to do some cleaning to see it better). Does anyone know if this razor and case actually belong together. The razor actually looks unused but unfortunatley has some of what appears to be pitting corrosion on the doors.

 

[highball]

TV Super Speed..nice razor

 

[fingas]

TV Super Speed..nice razor

I am going to have to see how it turns out after cleaning. It has some corrosion spots on the doors and under the head. A little off topic but does anyone know how to remove that corrosion? It is just little pin points of corrosion. I am assuming that i will get some pitting out of it but the razor has zero scratches, had zero soap scum, has zero water spots so i am assuming it was unused.

 

[luvmysuper]

The rare and much sought after 1954 TV Special. With a case no less!!

Congrats, that's a major score my friend.

 

[fingas]

The rare and much sought after 1954 TV Special. With a case no less!!

Congrats, that's a major score my friend.

Any idea as to value with some pitting on one door and very minor amount under the head?

 

[dpm802]

I am going to have to see how it turns out after cleaning. It has some corrosion spots on the doors and under the head. A little off topic but does anyone know how to remove that corrosion? It is just little pin points of corrosion. I am assuming that i will get some pitting out of it but the razor has zero scratches, had zero soap scum, has zero water spots so i am assuming it was unused.

I use Simple Green to clean my vintage razors.

Spray it on full strength to saturate the razor, let it sit for 10~15 minutes, pour just enough distilled or filtered water on it to cover the razor, let it sit for a while, agitating every so often. Rinse, scrub it with an old, soft toothbrush, and repeat the process several times.

Finally, a 10 minute dip in Barbicide, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other disinfectant. Rinse it in the distilled or filtered water and let it dry.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

You've already got it positively ID'd with some good tips for cleaning, so I'll just say nice find!

 

[luvmysuper]

Any idea as to value with some pitting on one door and very minor amount under the head?

I'd say Five bucks.

You want that in check or money order?

 

[fingas]

I'd say Five bucks.

You want that in check or money order?

Well I got screwed then I paid almost double that.

 

[luvmysuper]

Well I got screwed then I paid almost double that.

Well, razors are "worth" what people will pay for them, but I'd say you done good.

 

[fingas]

They had it marked as a 1960 gillette razor. Even then I thought I got a good deal at $9.00.

 

[Oldguy]

The 1954 TV special is hard to find, especially with the case. It was only made for two quarters, Z3 and Z4 however not all razors in that period are TV special. The standard razor made in 1954 was the flair tip Super Speed. Razors with those date codes that are of the late 40's design are TV specials. Hopefully the razor isn't pitted too much. If it is and the case is clear (can't tell from your photos), the case and blades may be worth more. Z3 and Z4's show up from time to time without cases. The 1954 TV special is much harder to find then the 1958 model in the red case. However this is a very nice find and certainly worth more then what you paid for it. Congratulations.

Len

 

[ctakim]

Len is spot on. I have several 1958 TV Specials. These have a red case and distinctive handle knurling. The 1954 TVs are much rare (still looking for mine) and my understanding is that the razor (other than the date code) is not different from the other 40's era Super Speeds.

You found a relatively rare razor, which is nice!

 

[haiti222]

And you have the original blades...A word of warning, because I have a non-TV from the same time period....Be careful when handling the blade pack. Time and exposure to the elements may cause the cellophane to start to fall apart if you handle it too much, especially if the instructions are also inside... It happened to mine.....

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Even then I thought I got a good deal at $9.00.

That price is a steal! I don't think I've ever seen one sell here or eBay, but the much, much more common 40s style Super Speeds with the cases usually go for at least 25-30 depending on condition. I'd say you did very, very well.

 

[fingas]

And you have the original blades...A word of warning, because I have a non-TV from the same time period....Be careful when handling the blade pack. Time and exposure to the elements may cause the cellophane to start to fall apart if you handle it too much, especially if the instructions are also inside... It happened to mine.....

The cellophane is already cracked in one place and is very brittle. Other than the pictures i have taken i am not pulling the pack out again.

 

[Oldguy]

Len is spot on. I have several 1958 TV Specials. These have a red case and distinctive handle knurling. The 1954 TVs are much rare (still looking for mine) and my understanding is that the razor (other than the date code) is not different from the other 40's era Super Speeds.

You found a relatively rare razor, which is nice!

You're right Chris. I actually think the '54 TV special is harder to find then your holy grail, the Empire. I did get mine on ebay. It was a bin and just listed. I jumped on it without giving it a thought. The seller was a very knowledgeable razor seller so I paid a lot for it. That was over 6 months ago. I haven't seen another one since.

Len

 

[fingas]

Ok I am convinced, I don't care what the value is. I am going to clean it up and keep it

 

[luvmysuper]

Ok I am convinced, I don't care what the value is. I am going to clean it up and keep it

I think that is a decision you will come to view as marvelous.