Seems 1938 gets the greatest consensus for this change2. Mine has no end cap and the rivet work is showing on the arms that open the doors. (As does yours) In later production of the 30's Aristocrat the rivet work did not show. Do you know when this change was made?
That is a 1936 aristocrat. Because it has a dome shaped head.I also own a 30's Aristocrat like your Number One. I have some questions, though..if you don't mind.
1. How did you determine that it was a 1936? Were there blades with the razor and you used the date codes on the blades to date your razor? (Mine had no blades with it.)
2. Mine has no end cap and the rivet work is showing on the arms that open the doors. (As does yours) In later production of the 30's Aristocrat the rivet work did not show. Do you know when this change was made?
3. I know that they were offered in two cases--the gold Greek key case (like mine) and a leather case. Did one case pre-date the other, or were they both offered at the same time? Which do you have?
4. My blade case comes apart lengthwise and has the matching design as the case. Any help dating the razor by this feature?
I have had this razor for a few years and I agree--it is beautiful. I haven't done a lot of polishing on either the razor or the case because I don't want to loose the original gold. It shaves okay, but as you said, it is certainly not my favorite shaver, but I use it in a semi regular rotation just because it's so cool. Any help you, or anyone else can give me to date my razor will be greatly appreciated, because despite reading everything I can find, I haven't been able to nail down the year. Thanks!! Here's a pic:
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