Vintage Gillettes. What do I have?

[DaveL]

I just got these off of ebay and while I know they are Gillettes I don't know what models they are. In the first photo the one in front was simply labeled "Vintage Gillette Gold & Copper Top Razor." The one in the rear was labeled "Vintage Gillette Old Type DE Safety Razor."

I apolagize for the low quality photos, my cellphone is the only camera I have right now. So gents, what did I win?

 

[Mick]

New long comb fat/heavy handle

Old type ball handle

new and old refers to the head design, was called the new type head as opposed to the old type head

 

[DaveL]

New long comb fat/heavy handle

Old type ball handle

new and old refers to the head design, was called the new type head as opposed to the old type head

Thanks, most helpful.

 

[SteveWY]

Are there any serial numbers? I'm not an early Gillette expert. Was there a ball-end before the New head design? The ball-end sort of looks looks like a late 20's - early 30's New or Goodwill handle. The long-comb New has me stumped because of the smooth tip of the handle. How do you date those?

 

[MacDaddy]

Are there any serial numbers? I'm not an early Gillette expert. Was there a ball-end before the New head design?

Yes, the ball-end handle design came around first in the Old Type generation in the mid '10s when Gillette stopped using the ABC handles in the Pocket Editions. From the look of the head, I'm betting this particular one is from after the patente expired in 1921, which would mean it wouldn't have a serial number.

The long-comb New has me stumped because of the smooth tip of the handle. How do you date those?

You can't, really. About the best you can do is position them as early or late models by whether it's got the patent numbers under the head or not. The handle's a normal bar handle, though, as far as I can tell.

 

[DEGuy]

I can't tell if this is long or short comb, I'm new to OC razors. It looks like
it's between the two to me. I've no idea re date of this old guy.

Nice OC razors. I've got three Techs (got one and couldn't stop, one of them is new/never used) and a ~1950 Super Speed. I'm trying to keep my den lean--yeah, like that's gonna happen. Did I mention the Gillette OC I might buy or the the Fatip I just orderd? Lean? Methinks not. The vintage Gillette 'Old' OC I'm looking at is like the one above with the ball handle. Have you had a chance to try them? I really like the one with the stout handle and longer comb--how do they shave? Seems like the long combs or Old OC razors are a bit more difficult to find. Nice buy!

 

[DaveL]

I can't tell if this is long or short comb, I'm new to OC razors. It looks like
it's between the two to me. I've no idea re date of this old guy.

Nice OC razors. I've got three Techs (got one and couldn't stop, one of them is new/never used) and a ~1950 Super Speed. I'm trying to keep my den lean--yeah, like that's gonna happen. Did I mention the Gillette OC I might buy or the the Fatip I just orderd? Lean? Methinks not. The vintage Gillette 'Old' OC I'm looking at is like the one above with the ball handle. Have you had a chance to try them? I really like the one with the stout handle and longer comb--how do they shave? Seems like the long combs or Old OC razors are a bit more difficult to find. Nice buy!

Not yet, they came in the mail this morning.

The Old Type Ball handle doen't have any patent numbers on it. The LC NEW has three numbers, two patent numbers and a reissue patent number.

 

[MacDaddy]

I can't tell if this is long or short comb, I'm new to OC razors. It looks like
it's between the two to me. I've no idea re date of this old guy.

That's neither a short nor a long comb you've got there. What you've got is a ball-end Old Type. It's the later NEW that comes in short- and long-comb variations. It looks like yours is also probably a post-patent model (late 1921 through 1928, possibly early '29), though I can't quite be sure from that one angle. If there's no serial number on the top side of the guard plate under the cap and no patent date on the handle, then that's definitely what you've got.

The Old Type Ball handle doen't have any patent numbers on it. The LC NEW has three numbers, two patent numbers and a reissue patent number.

In that case your Old Type is definitely a post-patent model, as above.

The second of the two patent numbers on the NEW, US1858316, is actually the latest of all the patent numbers on there. It was issued on May 17, 1932, so it couldn't be any earlier than that.

 

[CGW409]

Watch yourself with the Old Type as it looks like they sent you a live razor with the oh so rare,value improving rusty razor blade inside.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Nice Haul!

 

[celestino]

New long comb fat/heavy handle

Old type ball handle

new and old refers to the head design, was called the new type head as opposed to the old type head

+1

 

[DaveL]

Thanks to all who replied, you all were very helpful.

 

[alex2363]

Had to work late, came in late to this party...But as always Porter MC'ed just right, great info.