New Deluxe dating?

[Blue-EyedSon]

I picked up this New Deluxe today. I was pretty excited to find one as I had been wanting to try one. Unfortunately, it is yellow gold and I have a strange aversion to yellow gold. But it is in pretty decent shape. It has the standard crack, but all the teeth are straight. The plating is thin on the head in the center, but not too bad at all. And the case has some wear and thin plating. Anyways, I was wondering how old it is. The wiki doesn't list these serial numbers. It is 119510. Does anybody know of a thread that discusses dating for the New DeLuxe?

 

[Oldguy]

Hi Brian,

1930. All New Deluxe razors were made in 1930 and ended Feb. 1st 1931.

My list only shows 1930.

Len

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Here are some photos of the inside of the case. I can make out the Gillette triangle logo and what looks like the made in usa stamp. But it is all pretty faded. And it seems strange that the blade case is in the front. Any ideas?

 

[Oldguy]

Your set looks like a Belmont but I think the case insert has been put in backwards.

I'm also somewhat confused by the Deluxe date codes. Krumholz and Mr Razor show Deluxe models up to 1936 but there were no date codes after 1930. Very confusing.

Len

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I agree. I think the bottom tray is in backwards. I'll have to see if I can fix it.

And after looking at Mr-Razor's site, I think this looks like a Belmont for two reasons: The clasp and the made in USA stamp. Mine has the clasp like the Belmont, which is different than the Bostonian one. And on mine, the made in USA stamp is below the Gillette trademark diamond. On the Bostonian case, the made in USA stamp is above the logo.

So, is this a pretty rare find?

I hope it's okay to link to photos from Mr-Razors site. If not, then I'll remove them. But in the meantime, here is a link to a Belmont from Mr-Razor's site:

And here is a Gold Bostonian (also from Mr-Razor's site):

 

[mr-razor]

for me it looks like a gold Belmont

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Thanks, Achim. I'm assuming it's okay that I linked in some photos from your site?

 

[mr-razor]

Thanks, Achim. I'm assuming it's okay that I linked in some photos from your site?

that´s OK. Your razor and the inside of the case looks like my Criterion. I believe Belmont and Criterion are the same sets: Belmont comes in a metal- and Criterion in a leather case:

 

[Audiolab]

Nice razor Brian, even if you don't like gold is is a nice piece.

 

[T Rick]

Hi Brian,

1930. All New Deluxe razors were made in 1930 and ended Feb. 1st 1931.

My list only shows 1930.

Len

I've read this before also. Still I am confused too (see below).

Your set looks like a Belmont but I think the case insert has been put in backwards.

I'm also somewhat confused by the Deluxe date codes. Krumholz and Mr Razor show Deluxe models up to 1936 but there were no date codes after 1930. Very confusing.

Len

As you say, Achim has them dating to as late as 1936. I wonder if he can share some additional wisdom here on this one?

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I'll be curious to hear some discussion about dating these. But I'm happy to have found what appears to be a pretty nice shaver. From what I've been reading, many people seem to hail the New Deluxe head as being one of the finest heads made by Gillette. New Deluxe razors seem to be pretty rare, but is the Belmont set more rare than others? I'll probably give it a few shaves to see if I like the way it shaves before I decide about trying to trade it or to keep it.

 

[ctakim]

Nice Brian! Just turn that base of the case around!

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Thanks, Chris. I did that as soon as I realized what was going on. I was so excited about finding it that I didn't even notice it until I started comparing my photos to the ones on Achim's site. RAD can be brutal ...

 

[Copierguy]

Brian, congrats on a fine looking razor. Thanks for the eye candy.

Please share your shave experience with this beauty.

 

[mr-razor]

...

As you say, Achim has them dating to as late as 1936. I wonder if he can share some additional wisdom here on this one?

there are many mistakes on my site - it´s a learning site. The picture of the 1934 Criterion is from 2008. I must correct the information.

My understanding today is, that the numbered De Luxe sets only 1930 and Jan 31 were made (Krumholz page 202). 1936 there are DeLuxe sets without number (Krumholz page 206).

 

[bythbook]

Great razor, Brian - nice find!

I have a DeLuxe Criterion and DeLuxe Norfolks (and Deluxe Lady Gillettes -and a Big Boy on the way - thanks, Alex!) - they are wonderful shavers... .

I'm odd man out here, but I like to shave with a New Improved as well as with one of these, but these are great nonetheless.




...and thank you Len & Achim for the ongoing education.

 

[T Rick]

there are many mistakes on my site - it´s a learning site. The picture of the 1934 Criterion is from 2008. I must correct the information.

My understanding today is, that the numbered De Luxe sets only 1930 and Jan 31 were made (Krumholz page 202). 1936 there are DeLuxe sets without number (Krumholz page 206).

Thank you Sir! I think every resource we have on these is still a learning resource (and yours is one of the finest ). Even the Krumholz book has it's mistakes.

 

[Oldguy]

there are many mistakes on my site - it´s a learning site. The picture of the 1934 Criterion is from 2008. I must correct the information.

My understanding today is, that the numbered De Luxe sets only 1930 and Jan 31 were made (Krumholz page 202). 1936 there are DeLuxe sets without number (Krumholz page 206).

Thanks, Achim. That was my understanding as well. I think we are all learning as we go along and discover new bits and pieces of the Gillette history of it's products. One example is the Regent Tech.

Len