What did I buy?

[Goldtwins]

I went looking for something old today and this seemed to be in decent condition. I still need to clean it up but I have some questions. It only says Gillette and Made in USA. What model is this? Approx year(s)? Can you tell the material it is made out of? I ask because the head seems brighter and more silver colored than the rest, which worried me because I thought maybe it is the wrong head. Also can I clean it with scrubbing bubbles and MAAS like my other razors? Case as well? Was it worth $12? Can I put today's blades into it?
Sorry for so many questions and thanks.

 

[Groundhog]

That's your standard Gillette single-ring "Old Type" (single-ring as in the ring at the top of the handle.) Look for a serial number in the head under the cap and date it here.

It's probably silver-plated brass so any metal polish will work, but be careful with the more abrasive ones like Maas. It was definitely worth 12 bucks and yes you can use modern blades in it.

 

[Goldtwins]

Well there doesn't seem to be any serial numbers or writing of any kind under the head. Is that a problem? I started to wipe down the top of the handle and it seemed like it was a tarnish but the head part seems a little different. Not sure though. It all fits perfect though.

 

[Groundhog]

I forgot, sometimes Old Types have a serial number on the inner barrel.

 

[Goldtwins]

I forgot, sometimes Old Types have a serial number on the inner barrel.

Nothing.

 

[PaulX608]

Actually, it's an Old Type Standard. They were made from 1921 to 1929. It has the thicker 102A cap and guard. They weren't serialized. The handle is a bit different from the Single Ring. Here's my '07 Single Ring:

That being said, it is definitely worth $12, even without the case. Nice score. They're great shavers, too.

 

[Goldtwins]

Thanks for the help. So now 1920s is my oldest. I need to find something 100 y.o. Anyway I did a quick cleaning of half the box and the razor. I think I will try it out in a few days.

 

[PaulX608]

Looks great! Now blade up and shave!!!

 

[Luc]

Nice score! How's the shave?

 

[Groundhog]

I stand corrected....I should have looked closer. That's one of the Old Types made after the introduction of the New Improved line in '21 when Gillette actually named them "Old Type." The New Improved line had serial numbers, but the 102A's didn't.

 

[Goldtwins]

How do you know the difference other than serial #? Is it that the "ring" on mine is more subtle and the other is a more definite ring?

 

[PaulX608]

How do you know the difference other than serial #? Is it that the "ring" on mine is more subtle and the other is a more definite ring?

The end of the handle is different. It's more like a hyperbolic curve where the Single Ring handle end is more like a cylinder with flared ends. And it has a different head and cap. It's simply a different model. No more, no less, just different.

 

[Goldtwins]

Nice score! How's the shave?

I put in a feather today (after using the blade 2x in my Canadian pat 1932 Tech) and it was one of the better shaves I have had.

 

[gillette_lover]

How do you know the difference other than serial #? Is it that the "ring" on mine is more subtle and the other is a more definite ring?

The end of the handle is different. It's more like a hyperbolic curve where the Single Ring handle end is more like a cylinder with flared ends. And it has a different head and cap. It's simply a different model. No more, no less, just different.

I think another tell-tale feature is the lack of patent info on the bottom band, which yours does not appear to have. I have a gold one just like yours.