Is this a Gillette?

**Sandcounty** · 04-12-2008, 12:59 PM

Some of you may have seen this razor on ebay recently. I had it listed for a few days, there was limited interest (# of watchers), so I pulled the auction. I never really was sure that I wanted to sell it in the first place. The comb-piece is marked 'Made in Germany.' The handle has no markings. Anybody else have one of these or know who made them? I vaguely remember one on ebay some time ago that did have Gillette markings on the comb-piece. Am I misremembering?

**JayKay** · 04-12-2008, 01:10 PM

I dont believe that gillettes were ever made in germany.

**Sandcounty** · 04-12-2008, 01:15 PM

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. What I'm wondering is, whether the handle and head pieces are mismatched.

**MTgrayling** · 04-12-2008, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by JayKay

I dont believe that gillettes were ever made in germany.

They were, but I have no idea what that one is?

**Austin** · 04-12-2008, 01:29 PM

The handle is quite ornate.

**thirdeye** · 04-12-2008, 01:37 PM

This is a handle made by the American Button Company for Gillette in the ealry 1900's. It is one of 5 in the series for the pocket additions with matching cases.
This is the floral pattern. they came in silver, not nickel, brass and gold.
Some consider them to be most orinate of all the Gillettes.

I have not seen any with the head marked "Made in Germany", perhaps a mismatch. However these were the old type heads.

Here are a couple of mine...I'll dig up shots with cases.

**Sandcounty** · 04-12-2008, 01:38 PM

I got it at an antique shop. The woman that I bought it from was told (by "somebody") that it is Sterling silver. But it looks like it could be pewter. I do love a good mystery, though I'm sure someone will know.

Ah, we were posting at the same time. Thanks for the info. Just need to find a nice old-type head for it.

**AaronX** · 04-12-2008, 03:48 PM

Ray is spot on as usual. It's a mismatch. A silver american button co handle with a different company head. The ABC heads had different shaped (more rounded) ends to the blade posts. It is actually a silver handle since the ABC razors were made in Brass, Gold, and Silver.

**thirdeye** · 04-12-2008, 03:52 PM

Here's a few with thier cases. Yes the one in the top right corner is a New head on it. These are just some I have collected along the way. Boy the need a good bath......someday!

**JayKay** · 04-12-2008, 03:53 PM

If its a new type head on there you can shave with the usual every day blades we get now. That could be pretty fun.

**thirdeye** · 04-12-2008, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by JayKay

If its a new type head on there you can shave with the usual every day blades we get now. That could be pretty fun.

I can and do shave with any of them on and off. The old type is just more aggresive. I here folks talk about shimming but I have not had to do so.

**Sandcounty** · 04-12-2008, 07:23 PM

Very Nice Ray...

**GB5** · 07-08-2008, 07:54 PM

I have a few of these abc boxes whose insides are in pretty bad shape. A big part of me wants to rip off the old purple fuzzy material (no logo on this one) and glue down a nice new covering.

Is this sacreligious? Will it kill the resale value?

**gunner6477** · 07-09-2008, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by GB5

I have a few of these abc boxes whose insides are in pretty bad shape. A big part of me wants to rip off the old purple fuzzy material (no logo on this one) and glue down a nice new covering.

Is this sacreligious? Will it kill the resale value?

It will dent the re-sale value for those collecting them purely for collections sake. However, there are those who purchase to use and thus will retain a modicum of value. I have a couple of these that I had to re-felt. They work great for my Techs when I travel...and they are classy as well. I will try and post a couple of pics tonight.

**GB5** · 07-09-2008, 07:58 AM

Thanks Gunner! I was thinking the silver boxes would look very cool with some new black felt. I would even retain the original, de-rusted, tin that holds the pieces.

-Greg

**drews50** · 07-09-2008, 03:39 PM

Great. Thanks a lot thirdeye...just when I was in RAD remission...

Originally Posted by thirdeye

Here's a few with thier cases. Yes the one in the top right corner is a New head on it. These are just some I have collected along the way. Boy the need a good bath......someday!

**Seaforth!** · 07-09-2008, 04:09 PM

Yep. A button handle. I have picked up two like this with American Button handles and clone type heads.

**thirdeye** · 07-09-2008, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by drews50

Great. Thanks a lot thirdeye...just when I was in RAD remission...

Your very welcome sir....

**gunner6477** · 07-09-2008, 07:17 PM

Here are 3 of my cases and a couple of razors. Top left I think is a Gillette knock off version that I re-flined with felt. Top right is my first and only DE for about 20 years (untill I got infected with RAD). That case, lining, and razor are all original. The case is also a plain version that you don't see too many of. Bottom is an Empire model case and razor that needed to be re-lined also. I did it with green felt because I liked the contrast with the brass. When I travel, I throw a Fat handle tech in the top left case or take the top right model as is.