1940s Regent Tech

[Jake]

Apparently just before the US entered WWII Gillette introduced the Gillette gold-plated Regent Tech. This model was only in production for a short time -- and they never produced any display ads for this set (at least none of us has seen one -- yet). The case was a hand-crafted leather box with a nice embossed Gillette logo, a wooden mount (similar to what was used in the Richwood cases) to hold the razor, and a gold blade case. The razor is a variant on the usual American made TTO gold-plated Aristocrat as seen below.

I was able to obtain this set from another vintage collector, and had a special offer from a new metal plating company: Tanury Industries in Lincoln, Rhode Island. It's somewhat complicated, but they do replating like a number of other places people have found, specializing in machine parts, fire arms, musical instruments and parts. They are actually reluctant to plate razors -- unless they have some quantity of razors needing the same type of metal plating. Nonetheless, they offered to plate several razors for me at no charge -- so I agreed. And this Regent Tech got a great 24 carat gold plating -- even though it was already in pretty decent shape.



Exterior is in pretty good condition. And the stitching looks like it may have been done by hand.


Notice the area just under the razor's neck (the shoulder?) -- and how it differs from the usual Aristocrat. Also the area between the TTO knob and the main barrel -- also different.


No endcaps on this model Aristocrat. This is an interesting parallel with the Ranger Tech -- the initial release (1941) had no endcaps and then in 1946 (after WWII) they released a new model Ranger Tech that had endcaps -- like this gold-plated Aristocrat. Wonder what it was about endcaps that indicated an improvement?


Notice how the center bar also differs from the more commonly seen US Aristocrat.



I'm quite satisfied with the plating job Tanury did. Quite impressive actually. And if you have a set like this one, or a razor with this design, please post away so we can develop an archive of the exceptions.

[alex2363]

Gillette's first closed-comb TTO razor........did you replate it already, it looks like it has some spots?

[ERVARGASNY]

Nice, I want one.

[ERVARGASNY]

Jake, Buddy, My Friend, Me Amigo, Can i have that one

[Copierguy]

I've always had a soft spot for the Regent Tech and some how I was lucky enough to talk texbilly out of this one along with these photos.

[alex2363]

Tom...do you use yours, looks untouched?

[Copierguy]

Tom...do you use yours, looks untouched?

No this is one of those special ones that never gets wet. She is a pretty one for sure.
Texbilly is the one that got me hooked on nice ones....



I did pick up a user grade to take for a spin now and then.
Hmmmmm.....maybe in the morning.

[ras120]

Wonder what it was about endcaps that indicated an improvement?

Here's my theory on end caps: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ors?highlight=

And here's my Regent Tech:

[alex2363]

Ras, nice link, and good question......

[Sledgehammer39]

Man, that razor looks sweet!!

[Jake]

Good theory Ras. Sure doesn't seem like the endcaps are (or were) an aesthetic improvement.

[Copierguy]

Here's my theory on end caps: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ors?highlight=

***edit for bandwidth***

Interesting theory. I had always thought of end caps to be unneeded hubcaps for razors and never considered them having practical function.

[ERVARGASNY]

It feels good to be part of this club, on Feb 11, 2012 i was able to Aquire one of these sets, Now today i get my hands on Another Regent Tech, When it rains it pours. whoaaaa.

Jake i meant what i said when i responded to your post above.

Nice, i want one. But i didnt know i would be lucky and find another one today :o)

[kents]

Wow that's gorgeous.

[Mako72]

A Big +1 to Ras's theory on the endcaps. When I found my Ranger Tech I noticed when you snug that last bit of the TTO you can see the bottom edges of the risers flex open a touch. On the 40s SS with the endcaps you don't see this. Ironically I think Gillette did this to improve product durability. I reckon nowadays they probably would have left it as is!



Jay

[alex2363]

A Big +1 to Ras's theory on the endcaps. When I found my Ranger Tech I noticed when you snug that last bit of the TTO you can see the bottom edges of the risers flex open a touch. On the 40s SS with the endcaps you don't see this. Ironically I think Gillette did this to improve product durability. I reckon nowadays they probably would have left it as is! Jay

i agree w theory too, The multi end cap soldering on usa model is inferior to the Brits one piece design , and the end caps are for function not looks.

[ERVARGASNY]

Yep i agree as well with Ras120 Theory. I was just playing around with a Sheraton and the doors do jam up on the way down and kinda Rub a little on the Arms that swing open, and the Razors with the End cap are very Smooth and don't have the Rubbing action going on. So i'm pretty sure those end caps served a purpose. Besides a Finishing Touch.