When is a #66 not a #66

[Jake]

I found this remarkable British rhodium-plated Aristocrat. Designed just like the famous #66, but in a much different case than the usual ones I've seen. I know Gillette sold these under a variety of names -- mainly the same razor in different cases. But has anyone seen this set before?

The coronation sets have only one embossed symbol -- this one has what looks like many chevaliers embossed on the cover. And the inside is impeccable.

The razor itself may have never been used and the knurling is crisper and more defined than most of the #66s I've had.

Any suggestions from any other rhodium-plated connoisseurs?

Hard to believe these Aristocrats continue to appear -- in such pristine condition. As someone else said, it's a little like going back in a time machine, finding these old razors in new condition.

 

[Lucky11453]

Nice one Jake...is it just me or does that case look like a green Diplomat case.

 

[Jake]

Interesting observation... It does have a similarity to the Diplomat, but the interior of this case is plastic and velvet lined. And of course the exterior is not the Diplomat color. But maybe its called the Ambassador or some such political sounding name...

 

[johnmrson]

It's a very unusual combo Jake. The case looks like a khaki Diplomat on the outside and I've never seen a tan and blue interior either.
Perhaps a Gillette employees razor? I image that made some intersting combinations for themselves.

 

[Lucky11453]

Interesting observation... It does have a similarity to the Diplomat, but the interior of this case is plastic and velvet lined. And of course the exterior is not the Diplomat color. But maybe its called the Ambassador or some such political sounding name...

That interior sure doesn't look like plastic....but you can see it a lot better than me.

 

[Stubblefield]

Beautiful.

 

[Jake]

Sorry, I meant plastic lined on the inside top -- plastic over the nylon/silkish material they used on the inside, and it's protected by a plastic liner. And the bottom is the velvet material, but in better shape than what I usually see.

 

[mr-razor]

that´s a nickel plated No70 set from 1960. Here is a link about this set:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2246659

 

[ctkelly]

Was this the one from ebay not too long ago where the seller said it was an no. 11?

 

[midniterambler]

are there any patent numbers or other identifying features to differentiate it from the other solid bar guard rocket style aristocrats?

 

[ezmike]

jake you are the man when it comes to finding pristine shaving razors, i swear.

Absolutely, that's what I told him a week or so ago.

Mike

 

[RocketMan]

jake you are the man when it comes to finding pristine shaving razors, i swear.

Yeah - it is kinda scarrrrry!


Jake, I have this needle I've been trying to find in a big old haystack outside, and I was thinking......

 

[Jake]

I finally had some time during the day to compare the #66 -- rhodium-plated Gillette Aristocrat -- with this new razor -- now identified as a #70. You can certainly see how much brighter the nickel plating looks and how much whiter the rhodium looks. It is hard to get the lighting just right since they are so reflective, but here's a quickie to see how they shine and how they differ. At least on the handle.

Rhodium-plated on the left in the cases, on the right in the 3rd photo.

Should have been obvious but I was initially working in artificial light. Thanks to Achim for setting me (us?) straight. Or at least accurate.

 

[Jake]

By the way, I've also found my share of not so pristine razors. But I do enjoy the more mint-like ones and like to share them with my brothers in blades.