I found my grandfathers Gillette

**olavni** · 08-13-2009, 07:03 PM

Hi

I'm a newbie to the world of DE shaving. Just a couple of weeks ago I knew nothing, but thanks to this marvelous place I'm feeling that I have started to learn a whole lot! Thanks!

I'm still waiting for my first DE order, it's in the mail and it is a Merkur HD. However, I suddenly one night remembered seing some kind of red box marked "Gillette" in my fathers house - and just as I tought it was my now late grandfathers razor.

My grandfather always had a lot of "cool" stuff - and I have to say, for some reason, i really like this one as well. It seems to be in perfect condition, maybe a minor cleaning/polishing job would make it shine even more. The case is also in nice shape.

I would be happy if you guys could help me with some info on this one. When was it made and likely purchased? Is it a good razor - could I/should I be using this one today? Other interesting facts about this razor?

I have to say that finding this razor really made me appreciate why people collect such things. Apart from the beauty of such a small thing it is something about all the stories connected to them. I would be very interested if someone could point me to a online resource for knowledge on collectable/vintage razors.

Kind regards
olavni

**DGS** · 08-13-2009, 07:07 PM

Hi Olavni, welcome to B&B. Wow! Forget about that Merkur. This looks like a gorgeous English Gillette Aristocrat. Clean it up a bit and use it with pride! It's a beautiful razor and way better than the Merkur. I think you'll love it.

**michiganlover** · 08-13-2009, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by olavni

could I/should I be using this one today? Other interesting facts about this razor?

Many of us have found the vintage Gillette's to outperform the Merkur razors by miles.

I had a Merkur 38C (the long handle HD) but once I discovered a vintage 40's style Superspeed (which is similar to your razor, you have a variation on a Superspeed, but your's is made in England), my Merkur sat un-used in my cabinet.

I eventually sold it, to a deserving newbie. So in a nutshell, you can, and should use this razor to shave with.

Make sure to thoroughly clean it, and sanitize it first of course.

Scrubbing Bubbles, and a toothbrush are usually all that is needed to return these beauties to a shave ready status.

**VonMises1881** · 08-13-2009, 07:11 PM

Great find. I'm sure there's a lot of envy out there from us who never found such a nice razor in their grandfather's stuff. I think I found a bag of orange bic throwaways in my Dad's closet after he passed away. Enjoy!

**Sluggo** · 08-13-2009, 07:12 PM

+1 I think that is a great, and pretty rare razor...I think the crown on the case indicates the corrination set...but someone will be by shortly to impart their knowledge.

**scottydoint** · 08-13-2009, 07:23 PM

Wow, that is awesome. It is a #58 Gillette. It is indeed a coronation set which makes it fairly rare. It was made in 1953, which is the only year for the coronation sets. (There were #58s made in other years and the only difference wast he crown on the case I believe.) I wouldn't be surprised to see that set in as good condition sell for close to $250

**baggiez** · 08-13-2009, 07:25 PM

That looks like a beautiful #58 Coronation Set. I have a #58 and it is a great razor - your Merkur may get left on the shelf

**Mr.Max** · 08-13-2009, 07:25 PM

That is awesome that you found your grandpa's gillette! I always wish that I had something like that from a family member. Use it and enjoy it!

**mdunn** · 08-13-2009, 07:32 PM

sweet. nothing will every shave as well as your grandfathers razor (and a 58 coronation makes it all the sweeter)

**fidjit** · 08-13-2009, 07:35 PM

A #58, my current go to shaver......bewdiful

A great family heirloom to pass onto your kids/grandkids

**olavni** · 08-13-2009, 07:50 PM

Wow! So I kind of hit the jackpot this time :) Thank you for all your kind replies.

It's strange to think about that my grandfather once purchased this one. I wonder what made him decide on this particular one in post war Norway more than 55 years ago. I will use it and cherish it for what it is. And now I know that it is a 58 coronation - I see some Internet surfing coming up.

And this was of course like putting gasoline on the fire when it comes to my growing interest in vintage razors :D

olavni

**LeverTime** · 08-13-2009, 08:13 PM

Congratulations on finding your grandfather's razor. I also shave with my grandfather's Gillette. I bought a Merkur shortly after I got it, thinking that it that a "modern" razor would be much better, but I switched back to my grandfather's fairly quickly.

**Lucky11453** · 08-13-2009, 09:32 PM

Hi Olavni

Welcome to B&B and congratulations on a great find. That case is one of the cleanest I have seen.

**RocketMan** · 08-14-2009, 12:55 AM

That is a wonderful piece of history to have from your family. You are very fortunate! Take care of it - it will last you the rest of your life even if you use it every day! You can pass it down for a generation or two yet!

Congrats

**merwtje** · 08-14-2009, 11:57 AM

Welcome olavni and congrats on that nice razor/shaver.
Give it some soap to clean and it will shine great. These razor have a very nice plating.

**heirkb** · 08-14-2009, 11:59 AM

O my god. I wish my grandpa had that type of stuff just layin around! Nice find!

**calcustom** · 08-14-2009, 12:03 PM

Welcome to B&B.
Looks like you will be getting some excellent shaves!

**olavni** · 08-14-2009, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by merwtje

Welcome olavni and congrats on that nice razor/shaver.
Give it some soap to clean and it will shine great. These razor have a very nice plating.

Thanks!

That one was a beauty!

I'm getting a bit puzzled though because the handle and the "base" on mine (the finish/material of those) does not look anything like that - and i don't think it can be brought to such a hi gloss finish. I have a feeling that the handle and the "base" (sorry for the lack of correct terminology) actually is aluminium and at the same time I have also read that the #58 coronation is not supposed to be aluminium. The "wings" and the "ridge" between them are of a different material and are really shiny and look like chrome or somehting - just like on your picture.

If of any help it weighs in at 32g or 1.13 ounces.

olavni

**Prince** · 08-14-2009, 01:15 PM

Dang it. My grandpa used a cheap boar brush and disposable razor.

That sir, is very nice.

**merwtje** · 08-14-2009, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by olavni

Thanks!

That one was a beauty!

I'm getting a bit puzzled though because the handle and the "base" on mine (the finish/material of those) does not look anything like that - and i don't think it can be brought to such a hi gloss finish. I have a feeling that the handle and the "base" (sorry for the lack of correct terminology) actually is aluminium and at the same time I have also read that the #58 coronation is not supposed to be aluminium. The "wings" and the "ridge" between them are of a different material and are really shiny and look like chrome or somehting - just like on your picture.

If of any help it weighs in at 32g or 1.13 ounces.

olavni

Then it is aluminum for the brass one weighs about 72gr