Second vintage Gillette

[chris.hale]

As above I've acquired my second vintage razor, and I was wondering if you experts could tell me anything about it. I think from looking at the Gillette identification thread that it's an old type, but I've not seen one with the ball-end handle. Unfortunately there's no serial number which I had hoped would give me a specific date, but under the comb it has "Trade Gillette Mark" inside a diamond, and "Made in Canada".

Please click the thumbnails to see a bigger version.







Fortunately I needed a shave this evening, so I lathered up with D R Harris Arlington, loaded a med prep and gingerly had a go in case it ate my face. It didn't. It's definitely more aggressive than I'm used to with my Weber, but by taking my time and letting the weight of the razor do the work I got a beautifully smooth shave with no loss of blood or ears.

Thanks for any light you're able to shed, Chris.

 

[MacDaddy]

Absolutely. What you've got there is a nice looking Canadian ball-end Old Type. It'd be from the '20s when Gillette was still selling Old Type razors alongside their New Improved models as a lower priced alternative, but you probably won't be able to get much more specific than that.

I find that with the Old Type head I need to pay extra attention to blade angle. Cheating towards the cap will help smooth it out.

Glad you're enjoying it!

 

[cryhavoc]

I find that with the Old Type head I need to pay extra attention to blade angle. Cheating towards the cap will help smooth it out.

+1

 

[celestino]

Very nice Old Type! Great shavers!

 

[chongo gordo]

That's a score. A great razor and the plating looks spotless.

 

[mistercitizen]

It's hard to find an Old Type in that condition. Great razor... wish I had one like it. I've never shaved with an Old Type, but it's on my short list.

Ben

 

[chris.hale]

Thanks for the help guys. I am very pleased with the razor, there are a couple of tiny spots of plate loss on the sides of the comb and the handle has a small hairline crack but it feels solid. There is also a small patch of what looks like brassing on the handle, but for over 80 years old it's in very nice condition.

I've now had my second shave with it and I think I'm finding the angle, it does shave very close and I can see the appeal to a more aggressive razor. I've always liked the look of the Old Type and am pleased that its performance matches the looks.