I just bought a Zinn Gem Automatic SE razor but it has a different handle than others I’ve seen. The others had black wooden handles, but this one has a silver colored metal handle. I don’t believe that it’s just a random handle that was added as it is exactly the same build as the wooden ones and the metal looks vintage. When I get home, I can add pictures. I can’t find it in Wait’s compendium or anywhere else. Any information is appreciated
Zinn Gem Automatic information
- Thread starter cpool222
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Flintstone65
Imagining solutions for imaginary problems
Congrats -- and maybe I'm dreaming, but I know I've seen pics of a Zinn with what looks like a silver/nickel-colored handle....or maybe I've seen one on a certain marketplace. Mine is a "standard" wooden handled one, and Wait's Comp. would be where I'd check for info, so I'm no help; but I'd love to see some pics. IIRC you're no stranger to the GEM line of razors, and this particular model is a great addition to any collection. I use mine with a Schick injector blade -- which I hand-load (of course) and adjust in terms of blade exposure. Enjoy the shave, and please do come back with pics!
I see 3 different stories but I am not familiar enough with Single Edge razors to confirm or deny which is which.
1-It's a mismatch handle (i.e. it comes from a different razor).
2-It was turned by someone, somewhere to replace the wooden handle
3-It's an original handle from either a line that was a limited edition(or special edition) or with a low volume out there (explaining the lack of documentation).
I am curious to see the pictures when you post them.
1-It's a mismatch handle (i.e. it comes from a different razor).
2-It was turned by someone, somewhere to replace the wooden handle
3-It's an original handle from either a line that was a limited edition(or special edition) or with a low volume out there (explaining the lack of documentation).
I am curious to see the pictures when you post them.
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I appreciate the feedback. As we can see here, the handles are exactly the same, so I have to think that you're # 3 is correct, that it was a limited run on this handle. Somewhere in the back of my mind I think I've either seen one of these elsewhere or in an old ad or article mentioning the silver handle. I haven't been able to find anything yet. Still hoping someone may know something.
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Nice pictures, can you do a few closeups of all the markings, please?
I was not able to find much. This thread on B&B might interest you: Questioning the 1898 date on the Zinn Automatic - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/questioning-the-1898-date-on-the-zinn-automatic.325215/
I was not able to find much. This thread on B&B might interest you: Questioning the 1898 date on the Zinn Automatic - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/questioning-the-1898-date-on-the-zinn-automatic.325215/
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Added pics
Very good close-ups! Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable than me can post more information about the razor. Sometimes, there's a different marking that makes the difference.
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