Super Speed restoration

[TGilly]

This is my 1950's Super Speed, I've been restoring this and the single edged GEM I bought last weekend. According to the Gillette razor identifying wiki SS razors post 1950 had the mark PAT NOS ON PKG, this one also as no date code so I'm assuming its somewhere between 1950-1954. All I need now is some metal polish, there is a strange yellow rust like residue on the bottom even after multiple passes of scrubbing bubbles. The orange rush on the inside of the head went away thankfully.

Any idea what the yellow stuff could be on the bottom of the head? I'll take more photos.

 

[taco8slo]

The yellow I have noticed on razors is where the nickel plating is worn away and the brass (yellow or gold color) is exposed...

 

[TheVez2]

Stop trying to take the yellow off. The most likely culprit is the plating has come off and you are seeing the brass underneath. More scrubbing can make it worse. Got a pic so we can verify that is what it is?

 

[TGilly]

Aw that sucks, I'll try to post a photo later I'm at work now. So metal polish won't help at all if the brass is showing. The chrome or stainless finish has come off, I guess I should look for another Super Speed in better condition.

But I can still shave with this one right?

 

[Krona Kruiser]

It's what's inside that counts.....
Of course, you can shave with it. There are extreme cases of brassing that affect the "glideness" of the razor but this razor is in working order.

 

[BBrad]

With no date code and the abbreviated "PKG" you have a 1950 Super Speed. It is the 1940s design, which was made until 1954 when the Flare-Tip '50s style was introduced. From 1951 until 1954, these razors were produced with date codes under the head.

It does sound like you have lost the plating under the base plate, and brass is showing. Keep the razor clean and dry and you will never have a problem with it. That is one area of the head where brassing will not affect the shave quality.

The 1940s SS is a wonderful combination of gentle and effective. Enjoy!!

 

[celestino]

Good luck with the work and enjoy the razor!

 

[TGilly]

Here is a photo of the bottom of the head. As described, it appears the plating has come off showing the brass. Thanks for the helpful insight guys, I think I'm going to try this safety razor in the morning, just soaked it in barbacide. It reads PAT OFF 4, what does the 4 signify?

 

[Sunflake]

Yep, Plating loss.

 

[taco8slo]

Here is a photo of the bottom of the head. As described, it appears the plating has come off showing the brass. Thanks for the helpful insight guys, I think I'm going to try this safety razor in the morning, just soaked it in barbacide. It reads PAT OFF 4, what does the 4 signify?

The 4 represents the fourth quarter of the year it was produced, the left side should have a letter which will tell you the year it was produced (the date code)

 

[BBrad]

Your razor DOES have a date code . . . there should be a letter on the left side in the same place as the number 4 is on the right side. It would have to be somewhere between W (1951) and Z. (1954)

In any case, it is still quite good to shave with, even with some plating loss!