Gillette "Brownie" - Old Type Razor

Gillette “Brownie” from the 1920s. It has to be between 80 and 90 years old.

 

It came in the imitation brown leather case you see here, hence the name “Brownie.” Although the original set included a silver blade box, which I’m lacking.

 

In 1921, Gillette introduced the New Improved razor, but maintained sales of its earlier models alongside at a lower price, to give them both ends of the market. The razor seen here became known as the Old Type, and it carries a 1904 patent. I believe the Brownie sold for $1, possibly at near-cost, as it developed customers for Gillette’s more profitable blades.

 

So then, this razor has seen use through a chunk of the 1920s, the Depression years and, I’m willing to bet, World War II.

 

It’s been used but cared for. The teeth are in good shape. The worst I can say is it has scratches on the head that might well polish out next time I’m feeling brave (polishing removes silver, and that’s a one-way process, so I’ll hold off), and cracks both end of the handle. I’ll fix those with two-part epoxy if they get worse. As it is, the handle is perfectly functional.

 

These handles were made in three parts, press fitted together. Being different thicknesses, they contract at different rates – hence a tendency to crack.

 

I actually made the cracks worse myself pouring boiling water over the razor in the process of aluminum foil / baking soda baths, which is the best way to bring tarnished silver back up to a shine. I did give it a light polish, but I first wanted to turn the tarnish back into silver, rather than removing it all.

 

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