I've always had a fascination for timeless, every day items. They don't make anything like they used to. 50 years from now I can't imagine anyone discussing over a drink their "vintage" Gillette ProGlide or how their Samsung "black stainless" beer fridge still dispenses ice. Times have changed but I'm glad to see the passion to carry on the ways are still alive. I've grown to love shaving with a DE razor is a ritual, not a routine.
Two weeks ago I didn't even own a DE razor. I randomly asked my wife's grandmother if she held on to any over the years. She keeps EVERYTHING. Lo and behold she came back with a near perfect Merkur Progress and a standard Gillette Fatboy (pictured below). Not a bad start to the collection, right?!? My wife's great grandfather was a president of a bank in Ottawa, IL so it's neat imagine the possibility that either of these could have been used every day towards the end of his career. The Gillette is a 1959 E1. Can anyone date the Merkur Progress? I've learned there's not many resources out there to help date their razors. My particular model has a + symbol on the dial which I believe began on their later models. The original bakelite ivory case might help with identifying as well. A week later I picked up the other two razors on Facebook Marketplace. 1958 (D4) Gillette Super Speed Red Tip and a 1931 Gillette Goodwill that I believe is their 160 model. Did I mention I paid $10 for both?!? They were in much need of a Dawn & brush cleanup but I'm very pleased on how they both turned out. Especially the knurling. The red tip had lost most of its color. It's mentioned that the closest color match is Krylon's International Harvester Red. I wasn't too concerned and found the closest match in my wife's nail polish drawer. No one has to know that it's painted with Cinna-Snap. HA! Anyway, I'm glad I've discovered the B&B community and I'm looking forward to reading/writing in the future.
Two weeks ago I didn't even own a DE razor. I randomly asked my wife's grandmother if she held on to any over the years. She keeps EVERYTHING. Lo and behold she came back with a near perfect Merkur Progress and a standard Gillette Fatboy (pictured below). Not a bad start to the collection, right?!? My wife's great grandfather was a president of a bank in Ottawa, IL so it's neat imagine the possibility that either of these could have been used every day towards the end of his career. The Gillette is a 1959 E1. Can anyone date the Merkur Progress? I've learned there's not many resources out there to help date their razors. My particular model has a + symbol on the dial which I believe began on their later models. The original bakelite ivory case might help with identifying as well. A week later I picked up the other two razors on Facebook Marketplace. 1958 (D4) Gillette Super Speed Red Tip and a 1931 Gillette Goodwill that I believe is their 160 model. Did I mention I paid $10 for both?!? They were in much need of a Dawn & brush cleanup but I'm very pleased on how they both turned out. Especially the knurling. The red tip had lost most of its color. It's mentioned that the closest color match is Krylon's International Harvester Red. I wasn't too concerned and found the closest match in my wife's nail polish drawer. No one has to know that it's painted with Cinna-Snap. HA! Anyway, I'm glad I've discovered the B&B community and I'm looking forward to reading/writing in the future.
