Antiquestore find: Two GEM's

[JEEP]

I found this box while roaming the shelves of a local antiquestore:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Score030309_01.jpg


Experience has taught me that one should always open small boxes found in places like antiquestore, as they often contain treasures forgotten about by even the owners of the store - so I did - this is what I found:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Score030309_02.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Score030309_03.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Score030309_04.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Score030309_05.jpg


Two GEM SE's and a pack of GEM SE blades. The razor on the left is a Micromatic and is marked with patent no. 1739280-1773614 the right one has no numbers, but is marked Brooklyn, New York.
Both are in fair condition, with only minor scratches on both and i little brassing on the right one.

I paid D.Kr. 150 (approx. $ 25) for the lot. I have no idea if that was too much.

I know nothing about SE's. Are these good shavers? How old are they? Can you still find good blades for them? I use Derby Extras in my DE's. Can anyone reccommend a similar SE blade?


Regards.

Jakob

[Dustinl]

Jakob, nice finds! Is the razor on the left a twist to open?



DL

[AsylumGuido]

Jakob, nice finds! Is the razor on the left a twist to open?



DL

Yup. All Micromatics are TTO's. I have been told that the open comb Micromatics are the best of the Micromatic family. The other is an heavy ornate handle model 1912 and is an excellent shaving tool.

[thirdeye]

Nice finds Jakob, a couple more for the rotation... That 1912 is a great shaver for sure.

[JEEP]

I am still not sure whether I am going to use them. It all depends on the availability of blades.


Regards.

Jakob

[paul.c]

Awesome Find!!

[nrek619]

nice score!!!!! you will use them........you will..........:wink:

[JEEP]

I will. But where to find blades?


Regards.

Jakob

[blade08]

Very nice Jakob.

[Bertilak]

I will. But where to find blades?


They use simple SE (single edge) blades which are widely available, although not with as big a selection as DE blades. You can usually find them in big grocery stores, chain drug stores, etc. They are also available from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Gem-Personna-Single-Stainless-Blades/dp/B0011Z9MVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1236104093&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Super-Single-Wrapped-Razor-Blades/dp/B001LMN5D0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1236104868&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Treet-Super-Single-Wrapped-Blades/dp/B001LMJOW6/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1236105035&sr=1-12

And as I have recently learned they give a darn good shave. I will probably keep one in my regular rotation.

[SepticTank]

I will. But where to find blades?

I saw some Ever Ready brand blades just last weekend... now if I could only remember where I'd offer to get them for you if you don't turn up any locally - something like GBP1.29 a pack (I think there were 3 or 5 in the pack)

[tom myers]

Obviously Jakob, most of us can't address where you can find blades in your country, but I would suspect they would be available locally. The ones we find here are mostly made by American Safety Razor and are sold under the "Gem" name. There is also a "Treet" blade which, I believe, is made in Pakistan. I have heard from others that the Treet is a good blade.

I hope you are successful in finding some good blades. That 1912 razor is one of the best shaving tools available.

Regards,
Tom

[JEEP]

SepticTank: That would be awesome, thank you.

I have been searching around a bit; it seems that SE razors has never been common here in Denmark. The only SE blades available are crude industrial/medical grade blades. What I am looking for is good Internet sources.


Regards.

Jakob

[JEEP]

Just ordered som Treet and GEM blades from the UK :001_smile

Now begins the waiting game.


Regards.

Jakob

[JEEP]

I cleaned and polished the razors this evening:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/GEM_1912_01_01.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/GEM_1912_01_02.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/GEM_1912_01_03.jpg

The 1912 has some brassing and a few scratches, but is othervise in great condition. It is a beautiful razor


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/GEM_Micromatic_01_01.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/GEM_Micromatic_01_02.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/GEM_Micromatic_01_03.jpg

The Micromatic had some spots of rust which cleaned off nicely. Only inside the hinges of the head is there stil a little rust that I cannot reach.

When were these razors made. The 1912 was made from 1912 I guess, but how long? When was the Micromatic made?


Regards.

Jakob

[Bertilak]

I cleaned and polished the razors this evening

Hey, they cleaned up nice.

I can't say when those razors were made but the following might help: http://shaveworld.org/shaveworld_web/compendium_info4.htm.
Here are sample (low res) pages: http://shaveworld.org/shaveworld_web/samplepages.pdf

I am considering buying it but I just bought the Krumholz Gillette book http://www.heart.net/~krumholz/catalog.html#books and the Dale Justus' Razor Blades Cyclopaedia CD (must email mailto:[email protected]) and feel guilty about buying all that literature.

In a month ot so I'll get over that guilt and buy it.

[JEEP]

Thank you for the links. It looks like I have to go shopping for some litterature :001_smile


Regards.

Jakob

[Bertilak]

Thank you for the links. It looks like I have to go shopping for some litterature :001_smile

Good. The first thing you can do after that is tell us how to date the various GEM/Ever-Ready razors!

[D.Irving79]

you rang.

[Bertilak]

you rang.

Can you tell me when this was manufactured?
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41122&d=1235229057
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41123&d=1235229063
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41126&d=1235230268

[Bertilak]

you rang.

Or this:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41119&d=1235228973
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41120&d=1235228973
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41121&d=1235228973

[D.Irving79]

the "e bar" :lol:

1950s, with 2 significant handle changes. british made for the most part. the corrux ER blades were the later "improved" equivalent of the radio blades.

[D.Irving79]

Can you tell me when this was manufactured?
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41122&d=1235229057
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41123&d=1235229063
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=41126&d=1235230268

mid 1920s even though it has the damaskeene stamp.

[Bertilak]

mid 1920s even though it has the damaskeene stamp.


the "e bar" :lol:

1950s, with 2 significant handle changes. british made for the most part. the corrux ER blades were the later "improved" equivalent of the radio blades.

Thanks!

[D.Irving79]

:badger:

[JEEP]

you rang.

[russian accent]Indeed. It seems that you have some information I need![/russian accent]


Regards.

Jakob

[ThePossum]

Hey Jakob,

Just came upon your post about the SE blades. Of the SE blades I have tried the GEM by Personna blades are the best for shaving as well as blade life. These are the same as the often mentioned and praised Ted Pella Blades.

Did not like the PAL or Treet blades that I used. So if you can find them go for the GEM Personna blades. Good luck in your blade search.

[JEEP]

GEM's are among the blades I have ordered. They should be here tomorrow. I can't wait to try out these razors.


Regards.

Jakob

[Dustinl]

Jakob,

I think you will be pleased with the shave. I have been using the 1912 since last week and love it. Thank you for posting the pics.


DL

[D.Irving79]

[russian accent]Indeed. It seems that you have some information I need![/russian accent]


Regards.

Jakob


:sailor:

[JEEP]

So good sir. Could you be persuaded into partaking into the venture of dating my humble finds? If so I would be much obliged.


Regards.

Jakob

[D.Irving79]

micromatic - 1929
1912 - we just call it a 1912

[JEEP]

Thanks.


Regards.

Jakob

[JEEP]

Got my blades today. Placed a GEM/Personna blade in the 1912, lathered up with my favourite soap and brush and gave it a go. Result; the most comfortable and irritation-free shave I have ever had! Not the closest, but still very good.

These will most certanly find their place in my rotation.


Regards.

Jakob

[1OldGI]

Ah, another convert to the Gem minions. I myself had a wonderful Micromatic shave this morning. New 1912 Junior is inbound even as I type. Also have a panama inbound from Ecuador so. It'll be a great day when I can sport not only my 1912 shave but a fresh no kidding Cuenca panama as well :cool:

[JEEP]

I am going to try the Micromatic friday. How does it, in your opinion, compare to the 1912?

Panamas are great. I wear an Ecuadorian one most of the time during the summer. We sell them at the hunting store where I work :001_smile


Regards.

Jakob

[1OldGI]

Ah, another convert to the Gem minions. I myself had a wonderful Micromatic shave this morning. New 1912 Junior is inbound even as I type. Also have a panama inbound from Ecuador so. It'll be a great day when I can sport not only my 1912 shave but a fresh no kidding Cuenca panama as well :cool:

[Bluethumb]

Those are all great looking razors! I just used a 1912 Gem Jr and it was an AWESOME shave! Last night I asked my wife, "Did you say goodnight to Jim junior?" Thanks for turning me on guys! :lol:

[1OldGI]

Don't yet have the 1912, I just scored it yesterday so it's in the mail. It would have to be quite the razor to be better than the micromatic though. The micromatic is the dog's bollocks for sure. Bar none the closest and most comfortable shave I've ever had.

[JEEP]

Tried the Micromatic this evening. It too is a really nice shaver, but a bit more agressive and not as well balanced as the 1912.


Regards.

Jakob

[Rolls-Royce]

Last week, I had my best-ever shave, with a Featherweight no less. The Treet blade had 2 shaves on it already, and this might have contributed. BBS all over, from the base of my neck on up, including under the jawline and the neck/jaw/ear junction, which is usually tough for me to get smooth. Absolutely NO irritation. None. If the 1912 is a better shaver than that, I can't imagine what it would be like to use one.

[pablo_h]

Since a few people has asked for their GEM to be identified can Dave or anyone help me out with this one?
I've got a GEM marked as GEM Cutlery Co, but according to ASR.com the name changed in 1900, and this razor is marked pat 1912, so what is it?
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/599/gem1.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem1.jpg) http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2412/gem3.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem3.jpg)
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/611/gem4t.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem4t.jpg)
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6335/gem6.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem6.jpg)

[napoleon]

Thanks to Dave(:rolleyes:-curse him:biggrin:) I am seriously considering selling most of my DEs and buying 400 ted pellas (shipping is 30ish dollars, so I might as well use it up by buying 2 packs). I find gems shaving as good as my injectors, only a lot more fun:biggrin:

[D.Irving79]

Since a few people has asked for their GEM to be identified can Dave or anyone help me out with this one?
I've got a GEM marked as GEM Cutlery Co, but according to ASR.com the name changed in 1900, and this razor is marked pat 1912, so what is it?
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/599/gem1.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem1.jpg) http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2412/gem3.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem3.jpg)
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/611/gem4t.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem4t.jpg)
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6335/gem6.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gem6.jpg)

the first closed open comb model or second 1912 model.

to explain the gem/gem cutlery issue would be taking away from my project.

[AsylumGuido]

the first closed open comb model or second 1912 model.

to explain the gem/gem cutlery issue would be taking away from my project.

In other words, patience.

[D.Irving79]

and/or no peeking.

:lol:

[RocketMan]

the first closed open comb model or second 1912 model.

to explain the gem/gem cutlery issue would be taking away from my project.

If I don't peek, could you explain this 'closed open comb' thang! I don't quite get that. :blushing:

[D.Irving79]

sure. when have you seen a comb with a bar across the bottom? :lol:

[Bertilak]

sure. when have you seen a comb with a bar across the bottom? :lol:

I have never seen a 1912 without the bar.

[D.Irving79]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/DIrving79/RAZORS/stuff007.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b305/DIrving79/RAZORS/stuff008.jpg

[Bertilak]

Hmm. Time to scour eBay!

[DV8_JERM]

Great find. I got 2 just like them and I have a gem jr I got in a auction lot good looking razors.

[RocketMan]

Ahhhh of course - the old, closed open comb like a comb but closed and not open trick!!

Piece by piece by piece I conquers the razors!!! :lol:

Thnk you sirs - now I gets it!