Here's a set I've had for a couple of months now but never got around to sharing... I meant to post it yesterday for Memorial Day but was so busy, I never could find the time. It's in excellent shape save for the issue on the bottom of the case. No cracks in the handle, no bent teeth. The mirror is in excellent shape. It also has the original thumb-tacks used for hanging the mirror. Usually the thumb-tacks are always missing from the military sets. The serial number is J1663 which makes this one of the first made specifically for the United States Army for World War I, in the fist year of war production, 1918. I just noticed this yesterday actually and was quite surprised and pleased. I've probably seen 100+ of these and they've all been 1919 except for the one on mr-razor's web site. All J-series serial numbers were manufactured for the military only.
Nice, Jody! That is amazing that at almost 100 years old that thing is in as good of condition as it is. Very, very nice. Congrats!
That is a beautiful set. Every time I see one of those WWI issue sets, I've always been tempted to grab one.
Thanks for sharing! I have the same razor and case-I'm pretty sure mine serial number starts with a G-does that make it 1919?
Great score again Jody. I love these military sets. I just went and checked mine. J4263 or maybe 4268, I can't tell. From the looks of things mine spent some time in the trenches........buried.
G would be 1918 as well but could have been a public retail Khaki set. Military sets with E (1918), F (1918), G (1918), H (1918), K (1919 and 1920), L (1920), M (1920) and N (1920 and 1921) serial numbers were sold to the U.S. military but also to the public as well at retail outlets. But J (1918 and 1919) serial numbers were sold to the U.S. military only. There were no I serial numbers for some reason, most likely because it would have caused confusion with the number 1. Both would be 1918 first year war production for the U.S. military only.
My favorite razor '04 Gillette WW1 and before. Great looking and a fantastic shave. Beautiful set that you have. Specially the mirror. Really hard to find in good condition! Thanks for sharing.
SUPERB i ran across one of those a few weeks ago @ a antique market. now i know what the case is SUPPOSED to look like. the one i found was in horrible condition compared to your
Thanks everyone for the comments and compliments. 1918 non-contract. That knurling is super sweet! First I've seen on an old-type ball-end! Sometimes I think employees at Gillette did odd-ball things like this, and like stamping the logo inside the head cap instead of under the guard, and stamping King C. Gillette's signature in odd places on razors - just for 'its and giggles.
On this day in 1914, World War I started. 98 years ago. Just a tip 'o the hat to those that fought for freedom and carried these Gillette razor sets with them into battle.