Featured Antique (?) Gillette Safety Razor

Bought this yesterday.

Unfortunately damaged on the back of the box

Pat. Nov 15:04
According to https://www.razoremporium.com/gille...6Ld_MdNVwLB_DYdBTPtEK7pOVdnpLp2aL-sMKlONskevU
that would make it the 1904 version.
But for 1904, the site shows 1-25424 and 25425-45424 as Serial No.s, while mine is N414733

 

Logo trademarked 1908. Good to have the box (regardless of condition.)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gillette_diamond_logo_1908_with_slogan.jpg

Debra

 

As the serial no.s for 1908 are A195425-A675857, I wondered if I had misread that N. But I checked it again, and it's definitely an N.

 

Possible the razor and box are a (minor) marriage.

Debora

 

The N-number would be from 1920.
A pat. no. of 1904, a 1908 box and a serial no. of 1920

In this case poligamy?

 

That Gillette logo was introduced in 1908 but used for some time after. I'd go with the last date. Lots of old Gillette ads floating around the internet. You might be able to find one for your set.

Debora

 

The original 1904 patent expired in 1921.

 

I would think the box shows standard wear from use.

 

It's a legitimate antique now. I'd check the blades for rust and if they're good put it back into service. Those old single blade razors worked really well, from all reports.

 

I'll check again tomorrow, but I think there's only one blade.

As I'm unable to grow a full beard, that single blade will last me lifetime

 

There are antique blade collectors and that appears to be a really obscure brand.

Debora

 

Checked the package, and there are 2 blades

Can't find any site mentioning this brand

 

Nor can I. May be some collector interest. Ah... Henry Pels & Company Limited, UK. Trademark registered in the US for: "Punching Machines, Shearing Machines, Cropping Machines, Notching Machines, Straightening and Bending Machines, Guillotine Cutting Machines, and Machine Presses." That's a start.

Debora

 

Here you go.

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Henry_Pels_and_Co

Debora

 

Thanks. I had found that Pels earlier today, but I didn't find the razor blade connection.

 

Doesn't seem to have been a main line of business.

Debora

 

Found this site with an image of a Pels package https://maborek.jkm.net.pl/GREAT BRITAIN/older/GB P 2021-12-04.pdf

but no additional info

I've sent an e-mail to the site owner now. Maybe he can tell me more about this brand.