Gillette DE in a Metal Box - Dated 1932

[Jameson]

I've just begun a two week vacation from work and today I decided to take a walk over to a nearby antique store I go to quite a bit. Actually, I hadn't been there for about a month or two, so I decided this was a good day for it. I've found some really good straight razor deals there in the past.

Today I didn't see any (good) straights, but I did come across a vendor who had a couple of DE's in their boxes. One was in a french ivory little box and was one of the models where the top opens like two doors when you twist the bottom of the handle, and then you drop the blade in and twist it shut. I'm not really a fan of those, though, since they look pretty boxey at the top... I don't know if anyone shares my opinion on that.

He had another one I liked better. It was in a solid metal box that snapped shut firmly. When I looked inside, I saw that it was a Gillette (dated 1932), in three pieces. All of the pieces, and especially the box, were pretty dirty, but I knew that my metal polish would bring it back to life. The assembly is just like my Merkur (the only other DE I've got), and I'm a fan of this type of design. Simple. Lightweight. Overall good look, I think. Plus, I like the fact that Gillette pioneered the DE, so this was like.... the real deal. Different than my Merkur in that way.

Anyway, the guy had a price of $25 dollars on it. I pulled out a crisp $20 dollar bill and offered that. He said okay.

I just wanted to know what you guys thought of the purchase. As soon as I got it home I went about polishing it up. Just as I thought, the razor shined up really nicely. The box is also a lot cleaner than it was, but there were some spots that were pretty stubborn. I don't mind, though; it's a functional little item that I'll toss in my leather toiletry bag whenever I take a trip. It's okay if it's not perfect.
Do you think I got a good deal? Do you ever see these going for more?

Here are some pictures:









Anybody have one of these? Any additional details you can tell me about it?

[cooncatbob]

Gillette Tech razor, considered very nice shavers. I've never seen a box like yours. Here's a link to s site where you might be able to find more information. I have several Techs and find that they work very well with a Feather blade. Techs usually sell for under $20 but with the nice case that yours came in I'd say you did okay. Bob.
http://www.geocities.com/safetyrazors/gil_ser2.htm

[Straight Arrow]

The ball-end Tech is one of my favorites, probably my most favorite. I just can't seem to get a bad shave from it. I've loaded it with Derbys, US Personnas, Wilkinsons, and Israelis and it works great with any combination. Just a great shaving device. Simple and functional.

[Jameson]

Awesome.

I'm happy to know that this is regarded by some as a great shaver. I sort of expected as much from a Gillette, though, since they pioneered the Double-Edge razor.

I'm predominantly a straight razor shaver, but I do like the DE's when I'm in a hurry or am travelling and don't want to bother bringing the strop and stuff.