Please Help Me ID This Gillette Safety Razor Kit From 1910s/1920s Russia/Europe

[DBinSJ]

As I pass this item, together with a number of others, on to my nephew, I'd like to include some background information other than what I know already, if at all possible.

It belonged to my grandfather, who must have purchased it either during the 1910s or 1920s while either in St. Petersburg (Russia), Kaunas (Lithuania) or Berlin (Germany).

I can't see any model or serial number anywhere, though it's possible those numbers might have worn off.

I'm also quite willing to post to any other forum that might be recommended.

Thanks for your interest!

 

[nemo]

Gillette Old Type Single Ring, looks to still be in a good condition.
Look here at mr-razor's site for some more clues --> mr-razor Old Type - http://mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old%20Type/Old%20Type.htm

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

 

[nemo]

Serial no. is usually on the threaded knob's shaft, look closely.

Looks a lot like this 1910 set

 

[dmshaver]

Welcome to B & B. And congratulations on identifying & keeping your grandfather's razor in the family!

 

[DBinSJ]

Serial no. is usually on the threaded knob's shaft, look closely.

Looks a lot like this 1910 set

View attachment 1888346

Thank you so much! You are quite right—I found the number there: B 97604 (see uploaded image). Does that allow for the retrieval of any additional information? It does indeed look exactly like the set in the image you kindly provided.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Welcome to B&B, it could be 1909.

US Gillette Dating Information

This page documents what we know about Gillette safety razor serial numbers and date codes. Razors made in USA often left the factory with serial numbers or date codes, which can be used to establish their manufacturing dates. During certain periods so

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[luvmysuper]

Looks pretty good for 115 years old!

 

[Fordfather]

Looks pretty good for 115 years old!

@DBinSJ this is quite the compliment, coming from a man who bought one brand new in 1909

 

[luvmysuper]

@DBinSJ this is quite the compliment, coming from a man who bought one brand new in 1909

Well, I was a late bloomer and didn't start shaving till I was 30.

 

[HDSledge]

A bit more info for you re. the blades. 1927'ish?
Mr. Razor Blade Info

 

[DBinSJ]

A bit more info for you re. the blades. 1927'ish?
Mr. Razor Blade Info

Thank you so much for this! It makes perfect sense that the blades in the kit would date from 1927–1929, as the owner (my grandfather) passed away in 1930. So he apparently purchased the kit in 1911, buying replacement blades over the two decades that he made use of it. Really appreciate the invaluable assistance from the very knowledgeable members of this excellent forum!

 

[BigJ]

Great razor and lovely to be able to pass it on to someone who should appreciate it!!

 

[HDSledge]

Thank you so much for this! It makes perfect sense that the blades in the kit would date from 1927–1929, as the owner (my grandfather) passed away in 1930. So he apparently purchased the kit in 1911, buying replacement blades over the two decades that he made use of it. Really appreciate the invaluable assistance from the very knowledgeable members of this excellent forum!

Thank you for the extra bit of info on the connection to your grandfather and how the blade codes confirm the provenance. I have many sets but the one you have is more special than any of them due to the historical and familial connection. Many of my sets came with older period blades but in your case they can be traced back to the owner. We see vintage used razors all the time in here, and most of the time we don't have a clue about their personal history. Happy you found the info you needed. This is a great place to learn and many folks in here are happy to help. It's where I learned the basics when I switched from electric to blade. Watch out though, it's also where I caught a bad case of RAD.