I was wandering in an antique store last week, a large store that seldom has razors, and in a case I saw a Gillette Aristocrat from the 1930s.
It was extremly dirty. I was not sure if it were gold or silver. The doors were jammed. But the price was only $8 dollars.
I bought it. Gave it as couple of 2 hour soaks in hot soapy water and a little scrubbing with a soft old toothbrush. I don't have a digital camera, but I will describe the results: It is bright gold. The plating is over 95% perfect. The doors are now unstuck and work fine.
The only down side is that the razor has what I call "handle drop." With the doors open the turning knob hangs down about 1/4 of an inch below where it should. I have come across several possible fixes for that on the forum, but the inside of the handle is quite corroded and I don't have the proper tool or much motivation.
So I think I will leave things where they are and use it as is. Opening and closing is only a one second annoyance, once a week when changing blades. Once the doors are closed the razor shaves fine and looks normal, as if nothing was wrong. This is my second Gillette 1930s Aristocrat, and I plan to use it for a travel razor.
And all for $8 dollars.
It was extremly dirty. I was not sure if it were gold or silver. The doors were jammed. But the price was only $8 dollars.
I bought it. Gave it as couple of 2 hour soaks in hot soapy water and a little scrubbing with a soft old toothbrush. I don't have a digital camera, but I will describe the results: It is bright gold. The plating is over 95% perfect. The doors are now unstuck and work fine.
The only down side is that the razor has what I call "handle drop." With the doors open the turning knob hangs down about 1/4 of an inch below where it should. I have come across several possible fixes for that on the forum, but the inside of the handle is quite corroded and I don't have the proper tool or much motivation.
So I think I will leave things where they are and use it as is. Opening and closing is only a one second annoyance, once a week when changing blades. Once the doors are closed the razor shaves fine and looks normal, as if nothing was wrong. This is my second Gillette 1930s Aristocrat, and I plan to use it for a travel razor.
And all for $8 dollars.
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