Will replating vintage razors in something other than original plating lower value?

[jasoninusaf]

I picked up a Gillette toggle F4 recently in pretty decent shape and am thinking of getting it replated. The original plating is gold of course and I'm wondering if this works anything like cars and "keeping things original". I snatched it up for $5 bucks at an antique store (lucky huh) and I do use it and would love to get it back to its original beauty but I also want to make sure it keeps its value. The Rhodium plating is pretty sweet but would doing something like that change this razor for the worse when it comes to its collectors value?

 

[Hoos]

It depends, somewhat, on why you're collecting. Are you collecting to use? Or are you collecting to help preserve some party of history? Those two do not have to be mutually exclusive, but your primary reason for collecting may indicate how you answer the question.

Speaking strictly as a collector, I don't want anything that has been replated (which I know is an unpopular opinion to have). But I am also collecting as a means of preservation - which means, to me, keeping a razor as close to its original condition as possible. Gentle cleaning and very gentle polishing with a jeweler's cloth is all I'll do.

That doesn't mean that a replated Toggle will lose value. There will most likely be someone willing to pay something for it.

 

[Maxime D.]

I picked up a Gillette toggle F4 recently in pretty decent shape and am thinking of getting it replated. The original plating is gold of course and I'm wondering if this works anything like cars and "keeping things original". I snatched it up for $5 bucks at an antique store (lucky huh) and I do use it and would love to get it back to its original beauty but I also want to make sure its value. The Rhodium plating is pretty sweet but would doing something like that change this razor for the worse when it comes to its collectors value?

These days, I've seen costum car being sold for more than an original. The market has changed, the people taste change as well. I say do what you want to do, it's a razor in need of a plating, nothing more.

 

[jamesspo]

So, if the condition is such that it needs plating, it's not a collector item anyway. Plating it or not probably will have little affect on its value.

 

[morganjg]

For the price you paid, plus cost of replating, you will come out ahead no matter what if you decide to sell it. I get the impression that the Toggle is case less, so that will turn many potential high end collectors off. What's the worst that can come of this? You get a freshly replated razor to use and eventually something worth a good bit when and if you decide to sell it. Just make sure you work with a reputable plating company

 

[BBrad]

+1 James is correct . . . its value as a museum piece went south when the original plating did. Replating a less-than-collectible grade razor is perfectly OK. I think a lot of us will agree that the "Classic Rules of Antique Items" don't always apply to vintage razors! (In other words, clean off that damn "patina" and for gawdsakes throw that nasty old razor blade away!)

That being said, bad Karma comes from selling replated razors as "NOS," "Like New," "Minty Fresh," or any other term that is not a 100% accurate description of the razor's replate status!

Plate it, use it, enjoy it!! I'll bet it will look great in Rhodium!

 

[ironfist]

Any diehard collector will want it NOS. So if it isn't NOS and you personally want to restore it to a gleaming sight, then get it replated

 

[Maxime D.]

After all, there is no original car that hasnt been restored before. Even the Duesy need a fresh paint once in a while.

 

[jasoninusaf]

Well I have seen them go on ebay in the same condition for well over $100 if not closer to $200. I'm not talking about an item that is in bad shape by any means. I'm just talking about getting to looking brand new again.

 

[MacDaddy]

"Value" is inherently subjective. If you were asking me would I pay more for a replated Toggle in "like new" condition than an original one in, say, Very Good condition, my answer would be no. If we were talking about an original in Fair to Good condition then maybe, though you might not clear what it cost you to replate it. And if we're comparing to one in Poor to Fair condition, then maybe it'd be worth it. Replating at all, let alone replating with a different metal, will definitely turn off a good number of the serious collectors, so your value at that point would be more from the user market. And, personally, I've got no problem using a razor with less than stellar plating.

The reason it's different from buying a vintage automobile mostly comes down to expectations. People buying classic cars expect them to have had some amount of work done just as a matter of course, so it's not as big a deal there. However, with razors there are still plenty of them around in great original condition, so that's what people want.

If your Toggle is in pretty good shape and you're interested in maximizing your resale value then I'd leave it alone. I doubt that you'd make back what it cost you to get it plated, and you might even cost yourself money. (Considering how little you've got into it, you definitely wouldn't be taking a loss, but I'm talking about compared to what you'd get just selling it as is.) On the other hand, if you don't really care about reselling it and plan to keep it and use it, then do what you like.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Value is so subjective in this case - if your buyer values historical authenticity he'll pay less for a replated razor, if he values displaying it he'll pay less.

You just have to find the right buyer for the razor you have.