My first vintage

[ShavingDetective]

Hi,
I have just received my first vintage razor. I bought it in an online auction, and my plan is to try and clean it and see how beautiful it can get.

I have been trying to find out which model it is - and I am quite sure we're talking about the Gillette British Standard Set. At least, it came with a manual similar to this one: http://mr-razor.com/Anleitungen/1910s British Standard Set.jpg

On the razor itself, it says "Made in USA". How does that add up? Is that normal, even though the manual says "Made in England" - or has the razor at some point been put in a wrong box? Please help me out - as I am a complete "Vintage Newbie"

 

[c0ry]

Congrats on your Single Ring Old Type and welcome to B&B. The instructions could be mismatched. I may be wrong, and I'm sure the more knowledgeable members will be around soon, but the set seems to me to be this one judging by the nickel plated case:

 

[gaseousclay]

congratulations on your first vintage purchase. coincidentally, the Gillette Old Type was also my first vintage score when I first got into DE shaving. got mine for $10

 

[Oldguy]

Hi,
I have just received my first vintage razor. I bought it in an online auction, and my plan is to try and clean it and see how beautiful it can get.

I have been trying to find out which model it is - and I am quite sure we're talking about the Gillette British Standard Set. At least, it came with a manual similar to this one: http://mr-razor.com/Anleitungen/1910s British Standard Set.jpg

On the razor itself, it says "Made in USA". How does that add up? Is that normal, even though the manual says "Made in England" - or has the razor at some point been put in a wrong box? Please help me out - as I am a complete "Vintage Newbie"

A little more information would be nice in determining the history of this set.

First, the serial number. It should be located on the inner handle tube on the early razors. It can pinpoint the date of the razor. Newer razors had the number stamped on the comb guard.

Second, is there any writing on the underside of the case? If it has the small stamped UK id it could have been made in the US, shipped to the UK, stamped and then the UK instructions added.

It is hard to see from the photo if it is the 460-B set or not. Is there room on either side of the razor for the blade cases?

While there was a factory in the UK in 1907 I don't know what their capability would be in making razors or cases. The razor date would help here.

Len

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Hi,
I have just received my first vintage razor. I bought it in an online auction, and my plan is to try and clean it and see how beautiful it can get.

Nice find! You'd be amazed what a couple of soaks in Scrubbing Bubbles will do to restore the shine on an old, grimy razor. That and a light scrubbing with an old toothbrush and some dishsoap will go a long way to making this razor look new again. Enjoy the shaves, as I'm sure they'll be spectacular!

 

[ShavingDetective]

A little more information would be nice in determining the history of this set.

First, the serial number. It should be located on the inner handle tube on the early razors. It can pinpoint the date of the razor. Newer razors had the number stamped on the comb guard.

I looked for the serial number in these places earlier today - but couldn't find anything. I'll check again when I get home.
The only writing I could find was underneath the comb, which had the diamond logo with "trade Gillette mark" on bottom left and "Made in USA" on bottom right. It also had a small "G" on the right hand side - written inside a box.
But I'll upload some more photos tonight.

Second, is there any writing on the underside of the case? If it has the small stamped UK id it could have been made in the US, shipped to the UK, stamped and then the UK instructions added.

No - there is no writing at all on the case.

It is hard to see from the photo if it is the 460-B set or not. Is there room on either side of the razor for the blade cases?

It doesn't have room on the sides for blades. It looks as if one case of blades could be placed below the handle - but that's it.

Thank you all for your help with this - I will post some more photos later today to help identify this piece...

/Hans

 

[mr-razor]

Hi,
I have just received my first vintage razor. I bought it in an online auction, and my plan is to try and clean it and see how beautiful it can get.

I have been trying to find out which model it is - and I am quite sure we're talking about the Gillette British Standard Set. At least, it came with a manual similar to this one: http://mr-razor.com/Anleitungen/1910s British Standard Set.jpg

On the razor itself, it says "Made in USA". How does that add up? Is that normal, even though the manual says "Made in England" - or has the razor at some point been put in a wrong box? Please help me out - as I am a complete "Vintage Newbie"

A little more information would be nice in determining the history of this set.

First, the serial number. It should be located on the inner handle tube on the early razors. It can pinpoint the date of the razor. Newer razors had the number stamped on the comb guard.

Second, is there any writing on the underside of the case? If it has the small stamped UK id it could have been made in the US, shipped to the UK, stamped and then the UK instructions added.

It is hard to see from the photo if it is the 460-B set or not. Is there room on either side of the razor for the blade cases?

While there was a factory in the UK in 1907 I don't know what their capability would be in making razors or cases. The razor date would help here.

Len

That´s the different to the 460-B set: this case fit only one bladecase. Unfortunately my set is missing the razor, so I know nothing about this set.

 

[DFrancis]

Congrats on the first vintage, have you had a chance to give it a spin yet?

 

[GentsInstinct]

It also had a small "G" on the right hand side - written inside a box.

As I understand it, this is the stamp they put on it at the time it was sent into Gillette for repair.

 

[Oldguy]

As I understand it, this is the stamp they put on it at the time it was sent into Gillette for repair.

Correct.

Len

 

[ShavingDetective]

Achim, that's the exact same case that I have - except I don't have the case for the blades... (But then again - I have the razor to go with it...)

I have searched again - and no signs of any serial number or anything anywhere.

I actually managed to find the exact same version in a Danish forum - however, there were no details there either... Take a look at these pics (not my razor - but the same version and same type of box):
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_OldType_SingleRing_InBo-1.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_OldType_SingleRing_InBo-2.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_OldType_SingleRing_InBo-3.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_OldType_SingleRing_InBox_0.jpg

You know - I started my website, ShavingDetective.com, a few months ago as I was fed up with spending loads of money on replaceable cartridges... Never did I imagine that the "Detective" part of the site name would be so much fun!

I have just started cleaning the razor this morning - what a difference it has made already. Can't wait to see it when it's done!

 

[Brownbear]

You took your first step on the slippery slope. Once you get adept with a vintage open comb there is no going back....next a short comb New, a Big Boy and so it goes.......