Vintage Gillette

[MagicBBS]

Hi all,

I am new to wet shaving again and new to this forum, after reading for a while. I have purchased this razor second hand. Could anybody tell me which model and manufacturing year this might be? I assume it is a Super Speed. It only has an engravement British patent 694093, which seems to refer to Gillette’s TTO’s made in Britain after 1955. See photos attached.

Thanks
Martin

 

[nemo]

Flare tip Rocket
Late fifties, early sixties

 

[MagicBBS]

Great, thanks.

 

[Dyllern]

Hi Martin

What you have is a Flare Tip Rocket

'Rocket' because that was the British name for a specific 'Super Speed' model that had a different knob.

An exact year is not possible to give, but that razor was most likely produced in the late 50'

 

[Ranyart Finn]

I have one of these, and it's a very nice shaver.

 

[MagicBBS]

Great, I first refused to buy it as I was awaiting a Fatboy and Slim already

 

[romsitsa]

Hi Martin

What you have is a Flare Tip Rocket

'Rocket' because that was the British name for 'Super Speed'.

An exact year is not possible to give, but that razor was most likely produced in the late 50'

Super Speed was Super Speed in the UK, Rocket was one set in the UK, nothing more.

 

[MagicBBS]

So it is different? Or just a different name? I am confused now.

 

[Dyllern]

So it is different? Or just a different name? I am confused now.

What you have is a Flare Tip Rocket because of the different knob/handle section compared to a normal Super Speed , but my formulation was wrong. The British company produced both razors.

This picture shows the same system, but with the Red Tip razor. Hopefully that makes it clear to you.

 

[Lockback]

Flare tip Rocket
Late fifties, early sixties

Yep.
Bingo.

 

[MagicBBS]

Gosh, not easy to itentify. Thanks a lot

 

[MagicBBS]

Can anybody recommend a super Adjustable/ black beauty? Or is it just my RAD?

 

[NorthernSoul]

So it is different? Or just a different name? I am confused now.

The flare tip Rocket knob has a gap between the TTO knob and the main part of the handle. When you twist the knob, the knob moves up and the gap gets smaller.

You can see the gap in the picture @Dyllern posted above.

Can anybody recommend a super Adjustable/ black beauty? Or is it just my RAD?

One of the nicest shaving Adjustable models is the Slim. They are easy to find and prices tend to be low.

 

[Quaznoid]

Can anybody recommend a super Adjustable/ black beauty? Or is it just my RAD?

Superadjustable 109 (109 mm long) is the best adjustable razor ever made. Particularly fine is the post-1978 Black Beauty, with the black nylon base plate. Astonishing quality and performance. I was lucky; I found an unused one at a flea market for $10. You can probably find one in the $20-30 range.

 

[MagicBBS]

I got one for 30 one the way. Looks a little ugly. I hope it is just soap. I have a ultrasoniccleaner. Shall I boil it previously?

 

[NorthernSoul]

I got one for 30 one the way. Looks a little ugly. I hope it is just soap. I have a ultrasoniccleaner. Shall I boil it previously?

No, don't boil, just use regular hot water and dish soap to start with. You can let it soak for awhile first.

 

[MagicBBS]

Ok, thanks

 

[MagicBBS]

Black Beauty arrived today. The soap on the handle is pretty resistant, but in nice condition. Y2 model 1978

 

[MagicBBS]

Hi again,

I got this one recently. Can anybody tell me which model this is? British Patent 694093. Rocket HD? Flare Tip Rocket? The knob is moving up and down when opening and closing.
Thanks Martin

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Someone will come along shortly and tell you what it is, but it is not a flare tip and it is not a rocket HD.