When did Gillette razors come in hard plastic cases? The case I'm particularly referring to contains my English Tech. The case has a blue plastic base and a clear lid. The lid contains a moulded holder for blades. The hinges for the case are on the top (i.e the same edge as where the razor head would be.)Basically I'm trying to date my English tech which I suspect to be WW2 era but the case is making me doubt. Thanks Kristian
I'm no expert, but I think that the earliest Super Speeds were the first Gillettes to come in a plastic case. That probably lasted until sometime in the 70s or even 80s.
I agree. However the same site says that in 1949, Techs were TTO. Mine isn't. The site suggests non TTO Techs were made between 1942 and 1945. It could be that I haven't got the original box. Or the dates on the site are not correct.
Yes, I'm beginning to realize that there are some inaccuracies at that site. For example, the first year that they list the Lady Gillette TTO is 1963, but I have a G4 -- which would be from 1961 (I am assuming that they are talking about the "starburst" razor). So take it with a grain of salt.
That site is full of errors. "1949 U TTO/Tech First plastic case: red/ clear styrene." I think the above means that twist to open and Tech razors were in production. "1953 Y TTO/Tech Executive: heavy gold handle" There were two Executive's the Rhodium plated non date coded beauty and the gold Fat Boy which had a 1958 and 1960 run. Executive Executive/Fat Boy "1958 D TTO/Tech "Adjustable" Dial TTO. TV Special this year only" Nope this is incorrect. There was a 1954 TV also. 1954 TV, 1958 TV "1960 F TTO/Tech Toggle Adjustable this year only" There are D code, 1958, Toggles It is a good quick reference page. I do wish the glaring errors would be fixed though. I do agree with the 1949 date for introduction of the red/clear styrene cases.
All right, a new game! Let's see how many errors we can find at that site! Here's another: 1974 -- Super-Speed TTO production ends?? Not too long ago, I sold an A4 (1980) SS, although, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Gillette started calling them Techs, of all things. BTW, are all of those yours Chris? Very nice!
If you check Achim's "Mr. Razor" site you will find a tech in a plastic case with a clear lid that he dates as "1940's". It's not very difinitive and he lists that Tech as being from Argentina. I think you will find that an awful lot, or perhaps most, Techs came packaged in a cardboard box. This is in keeping with it's status as Gillette's "budget" line of razors. I don't doubt that many razors, over 60 or so years may have ended up in cases that originally contained a quite different razor. Regards, Tom
