The Family Jewel

[MoeTrain]

While rummaging through my grandmothers house, my cousin happened upon my great grandfathers military issue DE razor.
He showed it to me and I, being fresh into the DE world, knew I had to have it.
I have had this razor in my possession for just over six months now and am finally getting around to posting the pictures of it for you guys to enjoy.
If anyone can help me identify this or its estimated value, please PM me.
Also, thoughts or resources for restoring this piece to its original glory.
There is no serial number on the razor itself, just a date stamp [Nov1504] I assume is 15 Nov 1904?
The only piece I know I am missing from the set is the mirror.

 

[MoeTrain]

 

[Omak]

Very nice!

 

[ironfist]

Very nice!!!! I think their called bulldogs? Treasure it!

 

[Wingnut]

You, sir, are the owner of a somewhat rare razor. It is, indeed what has come to be known as a Gillette "Bulldog". Be advised: this razor is SILVER PLATED, so please do not use anything but the "aluminum foil and baking powder" method (found here at B&B) to try to clean it. After that, a light polishing with some silver polish (go gently) will bring up the luster. Once you do that, you'll be amazed at just how pretty it will be.

Take a look under the cap and you should find a serial number. Check B&B's wiki to find the year of manufacture.

It's a beautiful set, and with the family connection I'm sure it will be a treasured heirloom to pass down to your children. Congratulations!

 

[MoeTrain]

Thanks you guys! I'm going to start cleaning it up today now that I know what it is. I'll try to post a few pictures after the cleanup. It is F code which according to the chart puts it as circa 1918. Called my dad and told him, he was pretty stoked to hear about how old it is

 

[webflunkie]

Wow, great find! Very cool that it's been in the family and will enjoy use again.

 

[elmerwood]

Here is the one from Mr-razor...You're very lucky my friend. I want to get one very badly.

http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old%20Type/1918%20Military%20Set.jpg

 

[Mark1966]

Sensational razor - even better that it has the history!

+1 to Wingnut's advice - this will come up really nicely.

 

[LiveOak]

Everyone here would flip his lid to find that particular razor and that particular set. What a phenomenal thing to inherit from your granddad!

Also, check the pics at the beginning of this thread to see one just like yours undergo the baking soda process.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Looks Awesome!

 

[Niles]

Thanks for sharing, Moe! That's great!

 

[dpmtherrien]

Very nice, looks good.

 

[CGW409]

very,very nice.
Use it in good health.

 

[chiefum]

Awesome find.

 

[calcustom]

Nice razor.
Looking forward to the post cleanup pics!

 

[MoeTrain]

The only problem I have is that there is a crack that runs the entire length of the handle. I don't know if I should have it repaired somewhere, or just clean it up the best that I can..

 

[IronHammer]

Indeed! Very very nice. These sets are extremely hard to find and you have one that came down through the family, no less. Congratulations!

That being said, I would strongly recommend a simple bath in hot soapy (dish soap is fine) water for the hardware for about 20 minutes and then hit it all with a medium bristle toothbrush. If they still don't shine, then repeat a few more times. Once cleaned of all the crud, you can use the baking soda/aluminum foil method to restore the silver plating. Sometimes it takes two or three times to really get the silver to shine. Then simply buff with a clean, white t-shirt or soft cloth.

It's so nice to actually know the history of one of these rare sets. You are a lucky man. Enjoy!

 

[PMT]

Lucky! that is so cool, and I'm sure rare

 

[KodiakAttack]

I'd love to stumble upon something like this... perhaps somewhere in my folks attic is my grandfathers shaving equipment. I do, however, have a straight that my grandfather used. My father keeps it tucked away somewhere. No clue on make/model, but i know it exists!