Need some ID help on a project razor I just picked up

[Suggy]

I came across this potential diamond in the rough



It appears to be a 30's model Gillette open comb. It's rough, but who knows, it might clean up nicely. If it doesn't, I only paid $5 for it..

I guess I could get it refinished. Only one tooth is slightly bent.

Anyone know good razor refinishers?

 

[BBrad]

You are the owner of a Gillette NEW razor with the common bar handle. From this angle, it looks to be the long-comb version, and once cleaned up will be a very nice shaver!

These razors were manufactured in the 1930s. There were no date codes or serial numbers used then, so exact dating is not possible. It is likely that the bottom of your base plate will list a "reissue" patent number - this would indicate manufacture after the "merger" with Auto-Strop. Also, the earlier production NEW razor used the ball-end handle from the Old Type.

The NEW razors were finished with a very thin gold wash. It was plated directly over the brass parts and is famous for wearing completely off with normal use. Finding a NEW with original gold wash intact is fairly rare. The cap and handle tube had a higher copper content to the brass than did the base plate and handle neck.

Clean the razor with very hot (almost boiling) water, dish soap, toothbrush, and elbow grease. Once you get through the crud, you should be able to tell if you have any plating left or not. Most guys will polish the heck out of these things to remove any remaining gold wash to polish the brass to a nice shine. Brass oxidizes quickly, so polishing every few weeks will be needed.

The NEW is a great candidate for replate - there are several guys who are members here that offer replating services and do a wonderful job.

Enjoy your NEW!!

 

[Lucidor]

It looks like it was on a merchantman sunk by U-boats during the war and you just fished it from the sea!

 

[BBrad]

Here's a couple links to replaters:

Dave (Onotoman) www.restoredrazors.com

Stan www.abovethetie.com

Dave [url]www.westcoastrazors.com
[/URL]
There is a company in Massachusetts called Reliable Electroplating that does very good work as well. They don't do business over the Internet, and I don't have their phone number handy . . . I'm sure someone will jump in with it!

 

[Suggy]

Thanks Brad. That's exactly it. No serial number but 2 patents and a repatent number

It's not pretty, yet. We'll see how it goes

 

[alex2363]

Here's a couple links to replaters:

Dave (Onotoman) www.restoredrazors.com

Stan www.abovethetie.com

Davewww.westcoastrazors.com

There is a company in Massachusetts called Reliable Electroplating that does very good work as well. They don't do business over the Internet, and I don't have their phone number handy . . . I'm sure someone will jump in with it!

Here, the owner Dale is very good at his job too.

Contact Reliable Electroplating

Reliable Electroplating, Inc. 304 W. Main St. PO Box 91 Chartley, MA 02712

Phone: 508.222.0620 Fax: 508.222.0921 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.ReliableElectroplating.com

 

[Suggy]

Here, the owner Dale is very good at his job too.

Contact Reliable Electroplating

Reliable Electroplating, Inc. 304 W. Main St. PO Box 91 Chartley, MA 02712

Phone: 508.222.0620 Fax: 508.222.0921 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.ReliableElectroplating.com

thanks Alex. I tried to get some of the gunk off last night. had some success, but have a long way to go.