What is this, and can it be restored?

[Verderer]

Obviously an earlyish Gillette, but which one? lot's of Patent numbers both on the handle and the lower plate. Is this a 'frankenrazor?' The top plate is all coppery, but it does have remains of goldplating (?) on the reverse side.The combs all seem to be straight, would it be worth it to restore this one?

 

[tominabox1]

The orignal frankerazor: The Gillette Good Will. Given away for free during the depression, it was assembled from parts of Old and New type Gillettes. The plating is really thin on these guys as you can tell. They usually have issues with blade alignment but are OK shavers if you're careful.

 

[Verderer]

That's interesting, thanks for the info! There seems to be a little movement between the top and lower plates, but when you tighten it proper, it seems ok. Worth restoring?

 

[tominabox1]

depends on what "restoring" means... replating? I dunno, its up to you. I was considering having mine replated but I didn't care for the shave so I passed it on. If the handle isnt cracked (unlikely) then I guess it might be worth it. Its hard to justify puting $25 into a razor that could be replaced by a better shaver, in better shape for the same price, IMHO.

 

[T Rick]

I'd suggest cleaning it up, trying it out and keeping it in the collection. Not tons of these around, and there are different variants (I have only one, haven't tried it out yet myself!).

 

[Greyfox]

Put it in some scrubbing bubbles and go to work on it with a toothbrush and see what happens. May surprise you.

 

[cvixx]

+1 on the above posts. I

have bought razors that looked like Hell but cleaned up nicely. When you are finished, try a shave with it and see if it talks to you. It it does, you might consider a replate job or just use as is. If using it sends you to the ER, you might want to reconsider!

 

[dreadpirate]

I personally like the Goodwill head Gillette. I have one and it provides a nice close shave. Shine it up and use it. You may even want to have it replated.

 

[BBrad]

T Rick is right - there aren't a lot of these around!

They were built from leftover "odd lot" parts, and designed to be used only with the "New" style blades. By giving the razor away free, Gillette ensured a market for the New blades. Since it uses the "New" guard plate, it will shave nicely if you are careful about blade alignment. (Goodwills are noted for being a little "sloppy" on alignment.)

As a part of their inexpensive construction, they had a very thin gold wash which has not stood well against the test of time. Finding one with complete original plating is not an easy task!

It is a wonderful piece of shaving history that is a prime example of one of Gillette's marketing strategies that exists to this very day.