"Redness" on the handle?

[cybrok]

Hello

I got myself a nice razor from an antique store yesterday (pics to come, probably Sunday).

It's in very good condition, probably not NOS since there was no paper "blade" between the 2 head pieces.

But there is some... redness on the handle, around the ball, quite similar to this one (and so is the razor)

What is it exactly? Some kind of rust?

 

[erudolph]

Your razor is plated with a very thin layer of gold and then lacquered to protect the gold. As the lacquer ages it can turn to an orangish color. I believe that may be what you're seeing.

 

[cybrok]

... gold? Seriously?


Wow, just curious, how rare are these razors and how much do they worth? I don't have pics yet, but I can tell you it looke exactly like the razor above, and is made in Canada. I also have the box with a golden blade box (1 still in there).

It looks so good I'm not sure I want to shave with it :S

 

[roffles]

I have a no date code aristocrat and it has some red around the TTO knob. I assumed it was because it sat in the red felt case for so long and stained the metal.

 

[strat1117]

My Fat Handle Gold Tech had the same red stuff on it when I picked itt up at an antique store. I assumed it was dried gore of some kind, so I washed off and sterilized the heck out of it.



Obviously, though, it is an artifact of the gold plating/lacquering. Oh, well.

 

[scottydoint]

Your razor is plated with a very thin layer of gold and then lacquered to protect the gold. As the lacquer ages it can turn to an orangish color. I believe that may be what you're seeing.

Bingo! I would estimate the worth to be around $60 if unused. I see a tiny crack on the barrel of the handle. It might be worth a little more if it didn't have the all too common crack.

 

[cybrok]

The razor shown is not mine, but the pic from B&B wiki. Mine is similar, but honestly I only think it's not NOS because there's no paper between the 2 head pieces.

The way I see it is that if it worth around what I paid for, I will use it. But if it's a rare collectible and worth way more, I will trade it for a few good condition (but not NOS) users.

My actual favorite razors look like messes, but are great shavers (especially my Waterville 5/8)