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Gillette 'Serial Toggle' - A happy ending

Gillette 'Serial Toggle' - A happy ending


  • I could write a book about this specimen, but I'll refrain and just give you the highlights.
  • About a year ago I was fortunate to acquire this 'Serial Toggle', but despite the fact that the shipper, case etc. were in very good condition the razor had seen better days and had definitely been used with pleasure back in the day.
  • The razor wasn't functioning optimal either, so I decided to send it in for a "tune-up" in hopes that a good cleaning could do wonders for the apperance and mechanical functioning.
  • These razors are quite fragile and especially with regard to the small metal pieces inside. Not exactly like eg. a 'Omega'-watch, but fragile enough that years and years of use with exposure to moisture can have serious consequences.
  • This was sadly the case for this razor, so when it got taken apart an internal part broke. Pretty much leaving it in pieces. A sad outcome, but that's how it is sometimes.
  • Until recently I had pretty much given up on this vintage gem, but then I got in contact with a skilled enthusiast that accepted the challenge which ended up being a big succes. The person was able to manufacturer new spare parts and make the razor function like new.
  • I ended up with a clean, shiny and functioning 'Serial Toggle' showing some patina which was the end goal from the start. I'm obviously ecstatic about this outcome and thrilled about my 'Toggle'-collection finally being complete.
  • Lastly a little family photo of the special 'adjustables' from Gillette.


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Glad you got it working again. Did any other markets get serial toggles or just the US?
Yes. Obviously a quite good day 🙂

I'm pretty sure it was only in the US and for a pretty short periode of time. The development of the "adjustable" razor and how to optimise the construction had a whole lot of focus in the late 1950' resulting in quite a few different models. Gillette was really productive!
 
I’m going to assume the clicker spring broke? If you found someone that can recreate that I’m impressed, I’ve heard of Cap doing it, once, but he’s been gone for a while.
That was one of the problems yes and the person who repaired it did indeed successfully manufacturer a new spring after trying multiple different solutions 👌🏼
 

Rhody

I'm a Lumberjack.
Sorry for the possibility dumb question but what is the significance of serial toggle? Not heard that before. Beautiful razors!!!
 
That was one of the problems yes and the person who repaired it did indeed successfully manufacturer a new spring after trying multiple different solutions 👌🏼
I remember someone posting a WTB post a while ago looking for the spring. Might want to ask your contact if he’ll take more work
 
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