Pocket Edition date code starting with “L” ?!

[Breen]

Hello experts!

I picked a Pocket Edition while antiquing today and I can’t find any info using the date code on it L 18330.

I found a 2016 thread on here showing the same basket weave case and what appears to be the same exact set, but that one was identified as a British market razor starting with “G” but I can’t find any details for an “L” code.

Maybe Canadian or something?

It also had a very old blade in it, which is probably not going to raise too many eyebrows with this crowd, but I was very giddy finding that blade in there!

If anyone can shed some light on this set, I would be most grateful!

Enjoy the photos!

 

[Lightcs1776]

I wish I could help you out, but I don't know anything except that it a very cool razor.

 

[bdehne]

Very cool find. I believe that is an ABC razor.

 

[Breen]

I wish I could help you out, but I don't know anything except that it a very cool razor.

Thank you!

Very cool find. I believe that is an ABC razor.

Yes, that’s the name I saw for this set so far in my searching tonight.

Odd name, any idea why it’s called ABC?

 

[Breen]

@bdehne - Whoops, strike that, I should’ve looked it up before asking. I found the American Button Company made these sets before they burned down apparently, then Gillette picked up production of the pocket editions.

 

[RenoRichard]

L may be a repair code. Something like that was my initial thought. Try searching for that.

 

[Breen]

L may be a repair code. Something like that was my initial thought. Try searching for that.

Interesting.

I found a mention of this, but some conflicting info too.

 

[1Pet5_8]

Congratulations, what a great find. The antique stores in my area are all picked out, except for a few flair tip Super Speeds.
As much as I love shaving, I love the history of these items just as much.
PS: I hear ya about being jazzed to find that blade in there!

 

[KeenDogg]

As @RenoRichard said, L denotes it was sent to Gillette and repaired. The serial number on the other side is your date. Nice set!

 

[ajkel64]

Nice razor set, I like it a lot. Congratulations on the acquisition.

 

[Breen]

As @RenoRichard said, L denotes it was sent to Gillette and repaired. The serial number on the other side is your date. Nice set!

Got it, that explains there being 2 different stamps too. I’m a bit slow sometimes, thanks for confirming that.

@RenoRichard - Thanks for the help!

-Is there any way to tell when the repair was made?

I can clearly see 921525 which would make it a 1907. The blade bank has “Known The World Over” on it. Matt at RE mentioned on one of his videos that they dropped that phrase in 1914 so I think 1907 makes sense.

But, it looks to me like there’s something in front of that 9. Am I wrong?

 

[romsitsa]

It is an A, 1909. Known the world over was not dropped in 1914. ABC production did not start earlier then 1908. Repair stamps can not be dated at the moment.

 

[DrStrange]

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

 

[DrStrange]

Interesting.

I found a mention of this, but some conflicting info too.

View attachment 1416467


View attachment 1416468

It's an Old Type and not New Improved.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old%20Type/1909_ABC%20engraved%20von%20Leonard%20Taupier.jpg

Guide to American Button Company Pocket Edition Sets: Part Two - Cases

This is part 2 of 2 in our introduction of the American Button Company pocket razor contracted by The Gillette Safety Razor Co. In this thread, we focus on the cases themselves. Part one (Razors) focused on the razors. It is a joint project of Len (Oldguy) and myself and is meant to introduce...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[Breen]

It is an A, 1909. Known the world over was not dropped in 1914. ABC production did not start earlier then 1908. Repair stamps can not be dated at the moment.

Jeez, 1909! I came to the same conclusion last evening, assuming that was an A, but I didn’t know ABC started doing their thing in ‘08 so that settles it! Thanks so much for these details and taking your time to help me! I wish there was a way to know when they repaired it.

I’m really happy with this set, and plan to ride this high for a while. I have no plans to sell it, but I’m curious what the repair stamp would do to the value. I personally like that it has that extra bit of story to it, but others may disagree.

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

It's an Old Type and not New Improved.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old%20Type/1909_ABC%20engraved%20von%20Leonard%20Taupier.jpg

Guide to American Button Company Pocket Edition Sets: Part Two - Cases

This is part 2 of 2 in our introduction of the American Button Company pocket razor contracted by The Gillette Safety Razor Co. In this thread, we focus on the cases themselves. Part one (Razors) focused on the razors. It is a joint project of Len (Oldguy) and myself and is meant to introduce...

www.badgerandblade.com

Thanks for the links!

This set is now the oldest thing in my den (probably the oldest thing in my house, aside from the dirt) by a long shot!

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE DETAILS FOLKS!!!