Door discolouration

[ben74]

I recently purchased a NOS gold Gillette Aristocrat from the bay (and no doubt paid way too much for it).

The razor arrived today in its original packaging and indeed presented as totally unused. I took the razor in to a better lit room and to my horror discovered that despite everything else appearing perfect, both the doors were subject to discolouration. Initially I though it was oil similar to that on my straights, but it didn't wipe away (as I had hoped it would). Instead it actually looks like something has taken some of the gold plating away, I'm guessing an abrasive cleaning product has dissolved some of the gold.

I've attached some pics and would really appreciate some feedback as this is my first adventure in to the world of vintage DE razors and I'm not sure if I should be as disappointed as I'm currently feeling. The two pics without flash show (albeit not clearly) a pink and silver streaking across the doors. So is this simply normal ageing of an UNUSED razor or have I been let down by a vendor that didn't disclose the fact that he ruined a beautiful razor by trying to make it extra shiny?

Any tips for remedying this cosmetic flaw (other than re-plating as the rest of the razor is in such great condition)? Am I simply being too pedantic?

[MacDaddy]

Unless I'm looking at something different than you are, it just looks like rippling in the lacquer from age to me. It'll probably look almost like a watered silk effect in person.

[ben74]

Unless I'm looking at something different than you are, it just looks like rippling in the lacquer from age to me. It'll probably look almost like a watered silk effect in person.

The "rippling in the lacquer" is more evident in person (than in the pics) and I guess I'm just seeking reassurance that it is a normal effect of age. Thanks for your reply.

[MacDaddy]

Yeah, it may not look "desirable" but it certainly can happen as the lacquer ages, and I'd say it's a pretty good indicator that it's been left alone all these years and that the person you bought it from didn't do anything to try to shine it up. I would personally resist any urge to replate it if your goal is to maintain any real collectible value to it.

[ben74]

Yeah, it may not look "desirable" but it certainly can happen as the lacquer ages, and I'd say it's a pretty good indicator that it's been left alone all these years and that the person you bought it from didn't do anything to try to shine it up. I would personally resist any urge to replate it if your goal is to maintain any real collectible value to it.

Thanks again for the reassurance. I'm not a collector, just wanted a really nice example (which I think I've got). I will use the razor rather than let it go unused for another 50 years! (I should probably move the box and its packaging inserts to someone who does collect?)

[swamps]

Its the same on one of my aristocrats the one on the right in the pic the one on the left had it aswell but after a while of use and cleaning and polishing the lacquer comes off so i'd leave it as is and just enjoy looking at it unless you intend on shaving with it then get another one thats more user grade..
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn211/swampys/Gillette/IMAG0798.jpg