Is this a real Fat Handle Tech? (Mystery)

[BBaker11]

I just bought a Gillette Tech razor last week (my first DE) and I'm interested in trying to identify the year it might have been made. As far as i can tell, based on an extensive web search, the handle and head seem true the period of the late 30s or 40s. It also read that the middle plates from this era were made with triangular slots between '38 and '45 - making for a fairly narrow date range. But mine has rectangular slots that were made before, during, and after this period. Dang!

But what caught my eye is this. There seems to be an "I" on the left side of the plate (it could be a 1, but I think it's an I), and a "1" on the right side.

Does anyone know if this means something? Does it narrow the date range at all? What date would you put on this razor?

Thanks in advance for any input you can give me.

Here's a photo of the plate.

 

[BBaker11]

Here are two more photos

 

[BBaker11]

This site seems to suggest that an I-1 would be a 1938 razor. But I didn't think date codes were added in this way until the 50s.

http://gillettedatecodes.com/#1930

 

[Kilroy6644]

This site seems to suggest that an I-1 would be a 1938 razor. But I didn't think date codes were added in this way until the 50s.

http://gillettedatecodes.com/#1930

That's correct. Prior to that, the date codes were for the blades. When they started dating razors, they used the same system they used for the blades. I-1 is also 1963.

 

[Mike H]

That's correct. Prior to that, the date codes were for the blades. When they started dating razors, they used the same system they used for the blades. I-1 is also 1963.

Yep, 1st Quarter, 1963.

 

[BBaker11]

Held up to the light the plate clearly has an "I" and a "1" on it. (See new photos below.). Is there any chance that thisplatecould have been made in the same eras the handle and top piece? Or do I have mixed up Frankenrazor?

 

[Luminose]

I'm guessing it has the "Gillette" logo etched on the top of the cap? It looks like it's a 63 top that someone just put a older fat handle on.

 

[BBaker11]

Todd,

Actually, I looked at the top cap in natural light, and sure enough you can see that the Gillette logo WAS on there! Thank you for thinking of that. I will email the seller.

Here an extra photo showing the Gillette Logo.

 

[BBaker11]

Here are two more photos of the middle plate, and the entire three-piece set.

 

[Luminose]

Mystery solved then . A slightly worn 63 head on a 30s/40s fat handle.

It should still shave great just slightly less aggressive than a triangle slot 1938-45 Tech.
I have 3 1938-45 fat handle Techs and I really like the grip of that handle!

 

[BBaker11]

Gentlemen, I can't thank you enough. I do like the razor, it's been very kind to my newbie face! I do feel better that I know what I've got, but I wish I had the real deal. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.