New to me Vintage Gillette Ball End Tech that I received this morning. It cleaned up pretty well, but as I cleaned it, these small pieces of red film started to come off the razor on my hand. The film looked to me very much like the skin on a tomato. I’m guessing it’s the lacquer that Gillette used to protect the gold. I think I’ll probably shave with this once, then put it up just to admire. This is my first gold razor of any sort, as well as my first three-piece razor. It was made before Gillette started using date codes, and I don’t see a serial number anywhere on it. I’ve heard Gillette put SNs in the barrel, but I can’t see down there at all. I’m glad to add this to my collection.
the really old ones have serial numbers on the handle. think they stopped doing that in the 1930s. nice razor, if you like it i would keep shaving with it.
i would venture a guess yours is a later model from in or around 70s. thats when they used that etched top cap.
My dad bought it while he was in the navy and was stationed in England, just after the Korean war, so the early 50’s. I’ve heard about the serial numbers, but mine has one one side “Rolls Razor” then C and B with the C above the B. On the other side it says “Made in England” and there’s a 7. I can’t find a source that helps me date it. I’d just say the early 50s since that’s when my father bought it.
New to me Vintage Gillette Ball End Tech that I received this morning. It cleaned up pretty well, but as I cleaned it, these small pieces of red film started to come off the razor on my hand. The film looked to me very much like the skin on a tomato. I’m guessing it’s the lacquer that Gillette used to protect the gold. I think I’ll probably shave with this once, then put it up just to admire. This is my first gold razor of any sort, as well as my first three-piece razor. It was made before Gillette started using date codes, and I don’t see a serial number anywhere on it. I’ve heard Gillette put SNs in the barrel, but I can’t see down there at all. I’m glad to add this to my collection.
the really old ones have serial numbers on the handle. think they stopped doing that in the 1930s. nice razor, if you like it i would keep shaving with it.
i would venture a guess yours is a later model from in or around 70s. thats when they used that etched top cap.
My dad bought it while he was in the navy and was stationed in England, just after the Korean war, so the early 50’s. I’ve heard about the serial numbers, but mine has one one side “Rolls Razor” then C and B with the C above the B. On the other side it says “Made in England” and there’s a 7. I can’t find a source that helps me date it. I’d just say the early 50s since that’s when my father bought it.
interesting. guess i am mistaken about the etched top cap. that is cool that it is an heirloom!
Wait, I think I sent the wrong message. My new ball end tech is just like the one Mr. Razor has on his site: http://mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1940s Gold Tech Presentation Set.jpg Sorry, I’m still getting used to all of this vs. Reddit, which was easy for me.
That is weird about the flakes coming off. I think your plan is probably best, but if end up loving it you could always replate it.