Here's an unusual French made razor set with an extra metal clip for holding the blade in place and shimming it a bit. The blades with this set are in a never-been-opened box. The metal case is worth the price of admission -- in my opinion. Ever seen one like this? Wonder when it was made? Probably pre-WWII. Aluminum case & handle -- steel head with a nickel plating. Not exactly open comb, but certainly an open comb style design. And there I am -- lathered in my bathrobe -- scraping away the stubble! The head is actually in pretty decent shape -- in spite of this photo.
Interesting, and I like the picture on the blade box. Judging from the proportions, I'd guess the main box is about the size of an Altoids tin. Is that close? Waits Compendium gives it a brief mention with a lesser quality photo than the one you give. He says "manufacturer unidentified, probably France", but the French patent notice on the box seems to make it more than probable. He doesn't give a year. Anyway, congratulations on owning something unusual.
Very cool. One is shown in the Safety Razor Compendium, but there is no real info other then made in France
Haven't tried it out yet -- but it is a light weight aluminum handled shaver -- and the open comb is not really open combed but it is an open design on the head. And sure is French made... Oo, la la et mais oui! Tres bien.
Given the circular blade sides, it looks like it may even be slightly after WWI since the Probak style Gillettes (3 hole plus slots) came out in the early 1930s. Very nice razor!
I was thinking 1930s too, due to the blade depicted in the instructions too. Which makes it further interesting to see aluminum used this early in razor history. While it's obvious the handle is aluminum, it looks as if the guard is aluminum too. Not sure about the head cap since it appears to be plated. Nice score Jake.
