The Haul: March 2020

That is a 41 or Regent Tech unless it has been replated then the only way to tell which Aristocrat if it isn't a Regent is by the way it shaves.

If the base plate says pat nos on package it is an Aristocrat if it doesn't then it is a Regent.

 

New arrivals.

 

It's a '47, the end caps are missing.

 

No. Those tabs were originally gold plated so it is a 41 or a replate. If it was simply missing end caps the tabs they wouldn't be plated. The tabs would be like a grey or blackish color and might still have solder on them.

The one on the left is missing it's end caps. Solder won't stick to gold plate that is why they didn't plate the razors until after the end caps were soldered on.


For anyone who is interested some treaties I wrote on the US Aristocrat razors and Regent Tech.
https://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-1944-45-gillette-regent-razor.61300/
https://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/us-gillette-aristocrat-tto-timeline.61682/

 

I should, it used to be mine. I removed the one remaining end cap. as how I got it.

 

I then polished the ends afterwards.

 

If it came with an end cap on it and neither side was soldered then someone put it on there after the fact. It is still a 41. Take that razor and put it up against a 46 - 48 with the blades loaded if you can get the angle right when you take a picture that will also tell you if they are the same razor if the blade sticks out and is gapped the same.

 

Maybe so, but it also came with it's case, identical to one at Achim's site. It's for a '47, and using that description.

 

The Haul: February 2020
@Hembree
Since I always struggle with open combs I went for the mildest "AA" plate.
It gives me smooths shaves for the first time with an open comb. I might get brave and order the "A" plate eventually.

 

The case is not the razor and vise versa. Anyone can put a razor in a wrong case. It is not an accurate way by itself to identify a razor.

 

Here is a more accurate way to tell if @Aztecmike wants to know for sure.
The 41 is on the left and 46 on the right. You can see clearly the blade gap difference when you zoom in. All that is needed to compare the razor with a blade loaded and try to look straight down as best as possible. You can see how I balanced both to remove the angle with a screwdriver. If it turns out it really is a 46 then that would be the first time I've ever seen end caps crimped or pressed on and not soldered out of the factory by Gillette on any 1pc TTO razor.



For craps and giggles here is a Regent on the left and 41 Aristocrat on the right you can see that the Regent has smaller blade gap than the 41.

 

This one originally had end caps. A '41 Aristocrat and Regent don't. I got it as an Arisrocrat, in a 1947 case. It's Not a '41 or Regent. I removed the solder, sanded with a well used extra fine sanding sponge till smooth, then I polished both sedes.

 

You didn't say it had solder on it before and you don't have any before pictures that showing the solder that can also have some unique feature of the razor that can prove the other one is the same razor. The gap test is a lot more definitive. Like I said if it really is a 47 then it would be first time I've seen one with gold plate under the solder. I am okay with being wrong my take is there is enough misidentified stuff and that is bad for buyers and sellers who don't know better. With that said we know you are a stand up guy that you came out and said it was a 47. I don't want you to think I am bagging on you or anything like that because I am not. Provenance is everything with collectables. The second you removed that solder you destroyed it's provenance.

 

And I have to say, what looks like gold is just small areas of polished brass on the ends. And the rest is nickel.

 

I'm sorry this acquisition post caused such a heated discussion. I just want to say this was an ebay purchase & was simply described as "Gillette Aristocrat Razor". I made an offer (not knowing who the seller was at that time) on it fully aware it might either be a 1941 Aristocrat or a 1947 Aristocrat with missing endcaps. @jimjo1031 turned out to be the seller & was kind enough to accept my offer even though someone else had made a better offer because he recognized me as a member of TSD.
Regardless of the model year of this razor...I feel got what I bargained for...a nice user grade "Gillette Aristocrat Razor" & I am happy with my purchase.

 

Don't worry about it Mike .... You got a great razor from a great member here and I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come. Personally I like it the way it is.

 

Thanks

 

Wednesday mail call is from West Coast Shaving. Today I got Fine Accoutrements Santal Absolut soap and aftershave, a Parker Semi Slant razor and a free shave soap, which is K Shave Worx South Shore.

 

Nice looking razor! Let us know how you like it.

 

Will do.