My Weekend Bargain Finds!

[Rocketeer]

I've been wanting to try a GEM 1912 and/or a Featherweight. This weekend I scored both! I paid $1 for the 1912, and $2 for the Featherweight.

Here's some pictures, both before and after ...

The Featherweight looks as if it has never been used. The discoloration in the picture on the head below is from reflections. The plating is perfect inside and out! The only "defect" is the adhesive residue on the box. The razor is perfect.

There is no need for an "after" picture for this one, as I simply sterilized it. It needed no additional cleaning ...

Now, the GEM 1912 was a different story. While this certainly isn't going to be a museum piece, I was looking for something I could clean up for a decent shaver. First up, here are three "before" pictures ...

THIS SIDE OF THE HANDLE IS ACTUALLY BETTER THAN THE OTHER SIDE!

NOTE ALL THE GREEN GUNK UNDER THE HEAD AND THE SORRY APPEARANCE OF THE HANDLE! ...

THE HEAD IS NOT TOO BAD. SOME PLATING LOSS, SCRATCHES, AND SOME GREEN GUNK AND CORROSION IN THE TEETH ...

AND HERE ARE THE "AFTER" PHOTOS ...

Well, like I said ... not a museum piece, but IMHO certainly worth the $1 purchase price and 15 minutes it took me to clean it!

I will probably wait until next week to shave with these. I picked up some SE blades and will start with the Featherweight.

Not only was the "hunt" satisfying, but it's really cool to see how a "junker" can clean up! And I do love a bargain!

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[amspratt]

I love cleaning razors. One of the great joys of this hobby is seeing all the potential hidden under the rust, grime, and soap scum.

 

[FL shaver]

Amazing how that cleaned up! Thanks for the pics!! Enjoy them!

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Great scores! You should put these in the Acquisitions thread, too!

 

[Cynomys]

Well, like I said ... not a museum piece, but IMHO certainly worth the $1 purchase price and 15 minutes it took me to clean it!
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May I ask what was your clean-up method which only took 15 minutes? I am cleaning up some 1960s / 1970s Gillettes (one travel, and a couple of TTOs), using MAAS. It is taking me a lot longer than a few minutes what with all the details of razor construction.

I saw a GEM micromatic at an antique store in Snohomish, WA recently. It was in a plastic case, but with the two holders (one for blades, one for a blade bank, I think) broken. It was in very good condition. Cost $8, but I didn't buy it. I am more interested in the 1912 model.

 

[Jaymo]

The Micromatic is a fantastic shaver. I love mine. I use Scrubbing Bubbles for cleaning mine, well, the generic version of it, anyway. I've also used Spray Nine for cleaning my razors, as long as they're not gold plated.
I have an unplated, brass Gem Junior that I cleaned up and ran through my vibratory brass polisher and it looks so good that I'm afraid to shave with it now.
Maybe I need to get it Rhodium plated.

 

[Zumkopf]

I will probably wait until next week to shave with these. I picked up some SE blades and will start with the Featherweight.

There's no reason to wait until next week. Why postpone perfection?

I would start with the 1912, not the Featherweight. The extra weight of the 1912 and the better shape make it a more flexible, tolerant shaver. You'll have an easier time establishing the technique and are less likely to cut yourself.

 

[DavyRay]

I have a new package of SE blades waiting on the shelf. I hope to pick up a GEM some day soon. Congratulations on your finds.