Is this double ring a double ring?

[heirkb]

It has "PAT NOV 15 04" on the handle and the serial number in the barrel is 63837. There are no Gillette markings, which I know is the case with double rings, but I just wanted to make sure it's legit and not a frankenrazor from what the experts can tell. Anyone have some info on this one? I hadn't seen the red velvet cases before

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[thirdeye]

It's hard to say, I have a red Velvet lined case double ring but mine also has the Gillette markings.

 

[heirkb]

It's hard to say, I have a red Velvet lined case double ring but mine also has the Gillette markings.

I remember Len (Oldguy) posting about his double ring and some single rings not having Gillette markings. This was before 1906 or something like that. I'm wondering if the serial number I have matches up with the era of double rings or if it came off a single ring.

 

[highball]

sure is nice looking..I hope it is a real one

 

[Shave Cat]

I'd say the razor is legit. The early double and single rings did not have the diamond arrow trademark or Gillette name, but did have the patent date on the handle.

-Clarke

 

[thirdeye]

I'll have to pull mine out when i get to the shop today and have a look. I honestly don't recall......Brain fartsget in the way sometimes,or is it just age????..

 

[luvmysuper]

I remember Len (Oldguy) posting about his double ring and some single rings not having Gillette markings. This was before 1906 or something like that. I'm wondering if the serial number I have matches up with the era of double rings or if it came off a single ring.

63837 would be early part of 1905, I thought the single rings were introduced very late in 1905 / beginning of 1906, isn't that correct?

The case and blade packs have to be Gillette, they are consistent with later Gillette design, and it wouldn't make sense that someone copied Gillette before they were big.

In any case, congrats on a beautiful razor, and a wonderful piece of American History.

 

[Oldguy]

Single Rings were introduced in June of 1906. There were no Gillette markings on the DR or SR razors until 1908 when the Diamond and Arrow trademark was implemented.

Len

 

[Oldguy]

It has "PAT NOV 15 04" on the handle and the serial number in the barrel is 63837. There are no Gillette markings, which I know is the case with double rings, but I just wanted to make sure it's legit and not a frankenrazor from what the experts can tell. Anyone have some info on this one? I hadn't seen the red velvet cases before

It looks pretty good to me. The markings are correct.

Can you make out on the ribbon if the sales office is Chicago or New York?

Len

 

[heirkb]

Can you make out on the ribbon if the sales office is Chicago or New York?

Len

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the writing on the ribbon is mostly worn off, and there's no indication of Chicago or New York. The bottom has the loopy loogy (the one where the letters loop around an old style blade) and says "Handle and 12 Blades" "Price $5.00" if that helps

 

[AsylumGuido]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the writing on the ribbon is mostly worn off, and there's no indication of Chicago or New York. The bottom has the loopy loogy (the one where the letters loop around an old style blade) and says "Handle and 12 Blades" "Price $5.00" if that helps

They both had that on the bottom.

 

[heirkb]

They both had that on the bottom.

By both you mean double ring and single ring?

 

[Oldguy]

By both you mean double ring and single ring?

I think he meant the New York and Chicago cases had the logo on the bottom of the case. I believe it's really an ad for the Gillette blades sold at that time. Like this one.

View attachment 70872

Len

edit: Actually I think it's the ad with the price of the razor and the blades that come with it.

 

[AsylumGuido]

I think he meant the New York and Chicago cases had the logo on the bottom of the case. I believe it's really an ad for the Gillette blades sold at that time. Like this one.

View attachment 70872

Len

edit: Actually I think it's the ad with the price of the razor and the blades that come with it.

Yup. That's what I meant. Here is a Chicago box bottom.

And here is what the Chicago ribbon looks like.

 

[AsylumGuido]

Here is another Chicago box version.

 

[AsylumGuido]

Here is a Times Square, NY version from OldGuy's collection.

Along side the one in the OP.

 

[AsylumGuido]

I am pretty sure it is a New York one.

 

[e sinker]

Yup. That's what I meant. Here is a Chicago box bottom.

And here is what the Chicago ribbon looks like.

All of the double ring cases have this on the bottom. The razor you found is definitely gillette. The early razors had no brand markings on them... just the pat reference and a serial number. The case you have could be Chicago, New York, or Boston... I have seen all three in this style. Nice find.

 

[e sinker]

Single Rings were introduced in June of 1906. There were no Gillette markings on the DR or SR razors until 1908 when the Diamond and Arrow trademark was implemented.

Len

Double rings were introduced in mid April of 1906. The Diamond and Arrow logo was introduced in 1908 but it wasn't stamped on razors until around late 1914.

 

[AsylumGuido]

Double rings were introduced in mid April of 1906. The Diamond and Arrow logo was introduced in 1908 but it wasn't stamped on razors until around late 1914.

The Double Ring pictured here is a 1904 "PAT APL'D FOR" model that I used to own. Now a friend here from B&B is giving it a good home. The first Double Rings appeared in extremely limited edition in 1903.