Check out this thread: http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gem-damaskeene.10740/ The Damaskeene was the first issue of the 1912. There are three versions: the Damaskeene, the Brooklyn (usually called the 1912), and the Junior. They are obviously all similar, but the shave feels a bit different, IMO. I find I like the Damaskeene the best, but that is totally a preference thing. All are great. The Damaskeene handle matches your handle, as it appears the patent stamp.
Actually the more I look, the more I would say it may not be a Damaskeene. The handle is a bit different, and the patent date stamp is a little different. The handle looks similar to an Ever-Ready 1914. Your initial thoughts may be right, this may be a different handle on a 1912 head.
It is for sale on the bay and head anyway is GEM. Head looks in real good shape and if sold for $5 I might overlook the handle but is selling for 5 times that. In that territory I like original equipment. But I dont know for sure.
Looks like a 1912 with a 1914 handle to me, if so, the handle has the small threads and is made of steel. Nothing wrong with that, I like those handles.
