I recently acquired an older Combination Set, No. 00B. While it was missing the razor, there seems to be other ways in which I can identify it's approximate date of birth. The Patch The Button The Silver Containers. Notice the inclusion of the "wax" paper in the lid. And perhaps even the Rubberset Brush Now, I am aware that these were not necessarily the brushes used in these cases, but it could have been an "in-store" swap. In 1909, when the Diamond was used as was the patch, both clearly depicted in the artwork. However, it was not used for the Combination No. 00. Other references and members have pointed out the Silver patch doesn't appear to show up until 1913. Also, the "G" used is tall and slender, filling the 9.7 Diamond(on the patch) instead of the shorter "G" found in the 8.5mm Diamond(on the patch). This Brush is a 3rd style I believe is from 1912-1914. Around 1915 the bottom of the base changes. Around 1918 it appears the ferrule shape changes and Made In U.S.A. also appears on the ferrule. Another interesting bit is the button on the snap. "Gillette Safety Razor Company" is printed on what looks like an enamel button. I have (2) 00G with an unmarked enamel button from 1918-21 and another that has a button that seems to be covered in "leather" that matches the outer covering. When I compare the button to the snaps on my 460's, it matches my "G-in-Box" British Single Ring which is from 1908-10, and my ABC 505, which is from 1909. So, I have seen this button from 1908-1917. So, unless someone have other sets with this patch, I am inclined to believe it is from 1913-14. I am left wondering if the patch was used to ID it as "No.00 B"(with pigskin) instead of "No. 00"(seal grain leather) or "No. 00 A"(best morocco case). Also, as a final thought, the 1909 catalogue depicts the patch for the ABC 500 sets this way: It doesn't look like a patch to me.
