the razor that "started it all"

[D.Irving79]

some of you may remember me talking about the 1912 gem deluxe: the only true open comb 1912. there are several versions with various changes to the head design, handle, etc. i was lucky enough to obtain the FIRST model; the last of what i consider gems last elegant/ornate/etc. razors. a sturdy, excellent shaver that i was able to get for a rock bottom price. observe:


razor in case, consisting of a blade bank (which i stocked with pellas), razor and several slots for blades. the inner lid is in true gem fashion circa their earliest razors with velvet lining and the standard ribbon reading GEM DELUXE.

the blade bank.

a rear shot of the razor itself. lengthwise it is about an inch longer than the second model gem deluxe.

the back of the razor head. note the different stamp; an exact match to the font of the ribbon in the case.

the razor with the head open. the retention spring on this razor puts a crocodiles jaw to shame. notice the blade bed; nice and flat.

the bottom of the razor head. NO PATENT DATE.

razor handle with the screw out stropping attachment in place. the handle is hollow, but its the most solid hollow handle ive ever come across.

so there you have it. if you SE fans come across one of these and dont grab it youre beyond insane

 

[bythbook]

wedge blades, Dave?

(must be if there's a stropping handle, huh?)


how does it shave?

 

[D.Irving79]

nope, its a 1912; single edge

an amazing shaver. this is the most solid of all the 1912s ive used to date.

 

[bythbook]

nope, its a 1912; single edge

an amazing shaver. this is the most solid of all the 1912s ive used to date.

ah... the single edge blades of that time were permanent - to be stropped & re-used, huh? Do you know when disposable SE blades were introduced?

 

[TSWebster]

Now that is one hunky dory piece of equipment.

 

[D.Irving79]

ah... the single edge blades of that time were permanent - to be stropped & re-used, huh? Do you know when disposable SE blades were introduced?

1900ish if i recall.

 

[T Rick]

Very nice, very clean! The case is beautiful on the inside.

I've gone on a bit of a 1912 kick (due to last week's great shaves no doubt ). Haven't seen one like that before, it's great to learn about the history.

I did pick up a nice looking gold plated GEM 1912 with a cardboard box (box is a bit tattered). It has the ornate (chain link pattern) handle. Do you have any idea what era that might have been produced?

I also just picked up another Ever Ready 1912 (same ornate handle), cased in a brown bakelite box. Any idea on the era for these? (Reference material seems very spotty at best online for these, so it's great to run across individuals with a good knowledge base on them!).

Thanks in advance for any info, and congratulations on a great score with your new piece!

 

[D.Irving79]

Very nice, very clean! The case is beautiful on the inside.

I've gone on a bit of a 1912 kick (due to last week's great shaves no doubt ). Haven't seen one like that before, it's great to learn about the history.

I did pick up a nice looking gold plated GEM 1912 with a cardboard box (box is a bit tattered). It has the ornate (chain link pattern) handle. Do you have any idea what era that might have been produced?

I also just picked up another Ever Ready 1912 (same ornate handle), cased in a brown bakelite box. Any idea on the era for these? (Reference material seems very spotty at best online for these, so it's great to run across individuals with a good knowledge base on them!).

Thanks in advance for any info, and congratulations on a great score with your new piece!

they dont pop up very often. i think ive seen one or two on ebay but just the razors themselves. i saw a case for sale once.

if you mean your razor it was produced from 1912ish through the 1930s and then sparsely afterwards w/ other versions for the military as well.

the ER if i recall is the mahoganite set. i think its from the late 1910s or 1920s, im not positive which.

 

[Bertilak]

Well, Dave -- fair warning. Keep your guns loaded and your doors locked!

 

[D.Irving79]

 

[Windwalker]

Nice, me likey! I have learned not to ask where in the hell you find these things!

 

[D.Irving79]

i found this where everyone else finds their razors

 

[Hoos]

Congratulations, Dave. Very nice find and in beautiful condition.

I'm jealous of the case. While I've never used a Gem (or Star or any other single-edge), I enjoy collecting Gems for the cases. They made some very nice ones and, unlike Gillette cases, they seem to be a little easier to find.

 

[D.Irving79]

Congratulations, Dave. Very nice find and in beautiful condition.

I'm jealous of the case. While I've never used a Gem (or Star or any other single-edge), I enjoy collecting Gems for the cases. They made some very nice ones and, unlike Gillette cases, they seem to be a little easier to find.

thank you sir

im in love with the case. its really incredible. its a shame this was the last one that was done so elegantly.

 

[jakespoppy]

The razor and the case are both gorgeous. I don't mean this in a bad way, but that case sort of reminds me of a little casket! It's pretty!

 

[gollum83]

That's really nice looking. Thanks for sharing, Dave.

 

[pizzaguy]

Nice

Still looking for a lather catcher or a zinn ,one day

 

[spinyeel]

Excellent score Dave.Those Gem's are way up on the rarity list.Congratulations.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

The razor and the case are both gorgeous. I don't mean this in a bad way, but that case sort of reminds me of a little casket! It's pretty!

The case is "killer". All joking aside, David, the set is amazing and it couldn't have found a better home!

 

[Haiku]

Congratulations! And thank you very much indeed for taking the trouble to post these pictures!