Not definitive based upon all that but the most likely reason for the change. We can say if it brought anything new and didn't correct a flaw they would have been singing it's praises in national ads which they weren't.
In one of the many court cases regarding their New design and slotted blades, someone, iirc Thompson (the designer) confessed that the narrower shoulder was invented to reduce blade cracking. It didn't worked out. Fun fact, the narrow New improved head and New Deluxe/Lc combs have the exact same geometry.
Here is a 1928 - 1929 New standard set with shipper. The razor is a 2pc or 3pc depending your definition and you can tell it is the later 126 redesign by looking at the razor head.
I recently picked up a beautiful gold Tuckaway that has markings on the case and top of the razor that look like G P and have 1878 and 1928 dates on the case stamp in the middle and on the head of the razor. Does anyone know if this is a 50th anniversary edition? There is no SN on the razor and there were two blades inside the blade holder, one showing 2266 & the other 2267. Hope to have pics to upload soon. Thanks
Hello Gents, New to the forum, found this thread trying to look up a new acquisition, see photos. I have not been able to find anything on this particular Tuckaway. Based on all I have found on Tuckaways, this "could" be a 50th Anniversary edition (1878 1928 marking)? Any and all feedback would be appreciated. (sorry for the amateur pics) Thanks, Steve
Mystery solved on the Tuckaway set. Gillette has an archives department and they were very prompt to respond to my questions on my set. They advised that Gillette was started in 1901 so no go on the 50th anniversary theory. They said that they offered to engrave the cases and the razor heads for their purchasers so likely this was custom engraved for either a 50th birthday or anniversary. They advised they charged 35 to 75 cents for engraving the case and 40 to 50 cents to engrave the top of the razor. Since the second date is 1928, I can reasonably infer that my case was made in that year. Now I know a bit more on my set, don't think I will be able to find out who GP is or what the occasion was, but none the less, still a cool story. Thought I'd share this with you gents. Happy shaving.
Nice, machine engraving is rare or at least I didn't see too many except for low priced ball end sets used for advertising. The razor and case looks to be nickel plated? Also interesting that the liner look original but completely lacks the Gillette diamond. Adam
Adam, bad photos, set is gold plated, and in great condition. I also noted the inside liner didn't have the usual logo, and on close inspection, I can't discern if it ever did, no worn markings at all. I believe the liner is original though, cut to size and top and bottom match.
Ah, ok, so gold. The liner is original or look exactly like the original and there should be some sign of the diamond if it ever had one. There are many personalised sets with minor differences, it’s possible that one could place special orders with Gillette.
The liner could be original since it is a custom monogrammed case. Take a wiff of it after dampening it. Let it air dry afterwards. As noted on the case 1928 is certainly a valid manufacture date since those razors were still in production then. See my post on the first page for the difference between the 106 and 126 style razor heads for this razor. If it is a 126 then you know for sure the razor is no earlier than 1928. As far as the engraving goes that could be some sort of club or company gift. If you want to research it out further check some trademark databases for the US.