This looks like an old type Gillette without the manufacturer stamp nor serial number. This could be normal depending upon date of production. What’s unusual is the country of origin stamp: “Made in USA” within an oval cartouche. Can’t find any other examples like this online. I’ve posted this on other forums, and posting here, to get as many opinions as possible. Is it a Gillette? Or some other make? Maybe a mix of more than one razor?
Thanks for the link, but I previously scoured that page at Mr. Razor and found nothing that looked like the one I have. Were you directing me to a particular item? I also looked at Shaveopedia and nothing,
If it isn't found on the Mr Razor site,and doesn't say Gillette, then probably a clone. Use it, and enjoy it.
the early 1904-11 old types don't say gillette but have serial numbers.after 1911 they have a gillette logo stamped somewhere.ball end handled gillettes started around 1914..
So, while researching this I found a photo online of a Gillette old type razor with Gillette logo stamp and noticed that the country of origin stamp looked similar to the one on mine. Especially the font. I also noticed that some Gillette country of origin stamps are all caps, and some, as in the case of these, only the “M” in “Made” and “U.S.A” are capitalized. Comparing the two, they look remarkably similar. Other than the weird “cartouche” I’d guess that they were produced by the same manufacturer, but at different dates of production.
The upper photo says Made in CSA. Confederate States of America. That's an ultra rare "Rebel" razor, made before 1865. Nice find.
I received the razor in the mail today. Whoever made it did a nice job. It feels very well balanced and just has a high quality feel and appearance. I don’t know if this is important as to the make, or if this is a common feature for this type of razor, but I was able to remove the ball end. It is pressure fit and the insertion end is cross checked. The handle is a thin walled hollow tube. I haven’t shaved with it yet but it does accept my cheapie persona double edges.