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JerrynFrog
03-21-2009, 07:20 AM
Hi Everyone

I've been lurking since mid November and it is about time that I leave the sidelines and join you guys.

I thought you may enjoy seeing a few items that I found recently. I was going through an antique mall and found nothing with respect to razors and little with respect to shaving stuff when I noticed the Old Spice mug sitting in a cabinet in the back of one of the shops. I had wanted such a mug so I grabbed it and inside was a gold razor with a toggle thingie on the bottom and a brush. I had no idea that Old Spice mugs had been made of pottery and vaguely remembered some threads here at B&B regarding a Gillette Toggle but had no idea whether it was a good razor or something to avoid at all costs. But, I really wanted the mug and decided to splurge for the $15 price. Later, I learned that the mug was from 1941-44 and the toggle was, indeed, a good thing. The toggle is in pretty good shape. The Silo doors are imaculate. The toggle piece has some plating wear and a little lacquer peeling. The mechanisms seem to work fine.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=16352

During another trip to a different store I found these two razors which were the only ones there. I had previously read about the Star Model 100 in the review section here, but would have bought it anyway as it was in beautiful condition. The superspeed seemed in good shape but did need cleaning. Each razor was $2.75 I figured the Star would be a great razor to use to begin my DE adventure based on the review statements that it was a mild razor that would be great for newbies.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=16351

I cleaned the superspeed with scrubbing bubbles and found the Z1 date code which I learned placed it as a 1954 model. I also found the darkness on the handle. I tried getting some pics but they didn't turn out well....some show the discoloration way more severe than it really is. The razor actually does look much nicer than the photo indicates.

Have you guys seen darkening of the, I think, Nickel plating??, on the superspeeds? I was wondering if maybe a metal polish may help.

I guess my first post is long-winded enough....Thanks for looking.

Kindest Regards, Jerry

Gafer
03-21-2009, 07:47 AM
Nice score! Particularly the toggle. Price wise that was a STEAL! It would fetch well over $100 around here.

As far as the brush, you might consider restoring it as noted in this thread:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58175

Good luck and welcome aboard!

SavantStrike
03-21-2009, 08:51 AM
Actually if I'm not mistaken the cup alone was worth 15 bucks (actually more than that...) .... SCORE!

AsylumGuido
03-21-2009, 09:06 AM
Actually if I'm not mistaken the cup alone was worth 15 bucks (actually more than that...) .... SCORE!

Yes it was. Those Hull Pottery mugs can run between $20-$40 depending upon condition and variety with the "Ship Friendship" shown. The "Ship Grand Turk" version (1938-1941) is a bit more valuable.

The toggle absolutely was a steal. Wow!

Gruder
03-21-2009, 09:12 AM
Nice scores! Thanks for letting us share in your excitement!

Dustinl
03-21-2009, 09:32 AM
Jerry,

Welcome to Badger & Blade!!!

Those are some great antique shop finds!


DL

nrek619
03-21-2009, 10:59 AM
sweet score on a toggle!!!!! looks like your hooked big time!!!! welcome to B&B!!!!!

xdkeys
03-21-2009, 11:44 AM
Oh, you lucky dude.

Starfury
03-21-2009, 11:52 AM
Great stuff man.

It's always nice to hear that some members still get those great steals out in the wild.

You've done well, my friend.

Enjoy the spoils.

Cheers.

ctakim
03-21-2009, 12:14 PM
Nothing like hitting a home run at your first major league at bat. No wait, more like a grand slam with that Toggle!!:eek:

Wishoot
03-21-2009, 12:25 PM
Well done good man.

I scored a Toggle for $8 a few weeks ago.

It just goes to show that there are still a few good deals out there. You just have to hunt for them.

DV8_JERM
03-21-2009, 07:03 PM
That toggle looks great

JerrynFrog
03-23-2009, 06:07 AM
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I was able to figure out what to do about the dark discoloration on the handle of the SS. It was not tarnish/oxidation as I had thought. I tried Wright's silver cream and Brasso with no effect. Or so I think, as the Brasso did leave a dark coloration on the polishing cloth.

What did work was a soak in dish soap solution followed by gentle scrubbing with a soft bristle brush. It took awhile, but I noticed that the discoloration was slowing diminishing. I tried more scrubbing bubbles which helped a bit too. Now the cleaning is almost complete.

Gaffer- Thanks for the link on the brush restoration. I had run across that thread before. The brush that came with the toggle and mug is a VDH and probably is not worth the trouble.

Off topic for this particular forum, but, I received a sampler pack from WCS and have had 7 shaves with the Star and things are going just fine, though little ATG for now.

I'm really enjoying these forums. You guys are the best.

Cheers, Jerry

erudolph
03-23-2009, 07:41 AM
Nothing like hitting a home run at your first major league at bat. No wait, more like a grand slam with that Toggle!!:eek:

+1 :001_smile

thirdeye
03-23-2009, 07:52 AM
Very nice scores...That Toggle rocks!!!!

RocketMan
03-23-2009, 09:53 AM
Your RAD is beginning to exhibit symptoms!

Gafer
03-23-2009, 03:59 PM
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

Gaffer- Thanks for the link on the brush restoration. I had run across that thread before. The brush that came with the toggle and mug is a VDH and probably is not worth the trouble.

True, but then again it would make a great "practice" piece if you ever want to try restoration using a handle you really like.

deshaveman
03-23-2009, 05:07 PM
Is that '54 SS a TV model by any chance? I am not sure which date codes would make it a TV but '54 sure is the right year.

Gafer
03-23-2009, 05:44 PM
Is that '54 SS a TV model by any chance? I am not sure which date codes would make it a TV but '54 sure is the right year.

To the wiki with thee knave!
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Gillette_TV

deshaveman
03-23-2009, 05:51 PM
To the wiki with thee knave!
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Gillette_TV

A thousand pardons!:blushing:

VegasShaver
03-24-2009, 12:45 AM
I am only mildly jealous. All the antique shops in Las Vegas that I've gone to seem to think every razor is priceless. I've seen junk razors for $25-$35. One store had several Old Spice mugs, but they were all priced at around $40! Great score, though!

JerrynFrog
03-24-2009, 06:37 AM
Gafer- You are absolutely right that the VDH would be a good candidate to practice brush restoration on. Right now it sheds profusely. I suspect that it is a rather new brush. I will use it on occasion and see how it does. I do enjoy the variety of having several brushes, soaps and so on. Methinks you guys know that one well.:001_smile

deshaveman- the razor is a 40's SS. Evidently, Qtr 1 1954 was the last regular production of this model as discussed in Guido's SS ID thread.

Cheers to all, Jerry

Gafer
03-24-2009, 08:16 PM
A thousand pardons!:blushing:

Hey, I forget to check the doggone wiki all the time myself. No harm. I was just happy I could help. :001_smile