Scored a fantastic Mint Ball-end Tech with original box....

[Mitsimonsta]

Picked up from the 'Bay a few weeks back. Was listed as "C.1938 Gillette Tech" however the razor is dated Y3 which says 1953 to me.

Apart from the obvious disappointment of going from a Mint '38 to a Mint '53, I am pretty happy. Anyone who has the knowledge of these razors who wants to check Date Code against the box, I have added clear box pictures.

Onto the photos!

The Wiki has some different pictures for the box. Note the handle of the razor on the Wiki shot is in front of the pack of blades whereas mine it is behind the blades. Also, the rear has the King Gillette signature where mine does not.

 

[torontoraptors]

Wow. the condition is really impeccable. How much $ did that set you back?


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[Mitsimonsta]

The princely sum of 41 Yankee Dollars. Unfortunately, postage to Aussieland added another 11 of the aforementioned Yankee Dollars.

I can't find a mark on it, apart from my fingerprints trying to find a mark, scratch or plating loss.

 

[Crixus]

Note the handle of the razor on the Wiki shot is in front of the pack of blades whereas mine it is behind the blades.

I'm guessing hiding the handle of the razor on your style of box was done purposefully so Gillette had the option of putting various techs in the packaging without re-printing the box. Then again, maybe they were in the midst of a marketing campaign to really promote the blades, and wanted the blade photo displayed prominently.

A very nice snatch for you. The real question--are you going to shave with it or keep it totally pristine? I used to shave with a 1956 ball end tech (same generation as yours) and it is a great but mild shaver.

 

[mr-razor]

very nice find in this condition! 1953 is right. I´ve the same set from 1956

 

[wsfarrell]

I just got one of these on eBay as well, new condition, around $40. Someone must have a stash...

I put the gorgeous head on a Bob's Razor Works Bull Mastiff handle. What a combo!

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Nice Score!! Looks great

 

[Mitsimonsta]

I'm guessing hiding the handle of the razor on your style of box was done purposefully so Gillette had the option of putting various techs in the packaging without re-printing the box. Then again, maybe they were in the midst of a marketing campaign to really promote the blades, and wanted the blade photo displayed prominently.

Could very well be. I notice some Spanish on the rear of the box also - possibly distributed to Mexico?

A very nice snatch for you. The real question--are you going to shave with it or keep it totally pristine? I used to shave with a 1956 ball end tech (same generation as yours) and it is a great but mild shaver.

Thanks mate. This one will be kept pristine... it feels a bit light for me. If I want one to use, I will just buy a user-grade. The DE86 is fairly mild too, and I have a couple of Feather Portables which are so similar to this it isn't funny.

I have considered getting a few low-grade Techs, and and having them replated for display purposes. I think they are a fine looking razor, beauty in simplicity I say.

very nice find in this condition! 1953 is right. I´ve the same set from 1956

If it gets a thumbs up from mr-razor then I am definitely happy! Your box is the same as mine by the looks, but in slightly better condition.

I just got one of these on eBay as well, new condition, around $40. Someone must have a stash...

I put the gorgeous head on a Bob's Razor Works Bull Mastiff handle. What a combo!

The ones I have seen lately are all different sellers. The boxes also show different - ball end showing on some.

I would love to see a pic of Bob's handle on the Tech head. Please throw one up!!!