Matthew Wild
Gillette "Brownie"
Here’s a Gillette “Brownie” from the 1920s, complete with Hospital blades.
The “Brownie” was the later incarnation of the Old Type Gillette razor, dating to the 1920s. This set was only produced during that decade, so it must be between 80 and 90 years old.
A quick history lesson:
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, which carries a 1904 patent, became known as the Old Type. It was produced under various names. The “Brownie” was so called because it came in the imitation brown leather case you see here. I believe the Brownie sold for $1, possibly at near-cost, as it developed customers for Gillette’s more profitable blades.
The original set included a silver blade box, which I’m lacking. I don’t get hung up on stuff like that, as I get these things to use them not put them on a shelf and look at them.
This historic beauty set me back a little over $20, shipped. It’s both a great shaver – quite aggressive, so it’s really difficult not to get a clean shave – and a historical artefact. Looking at the signs of wear on it, I’d say it’s seen use through a chunk of the 1920s, the Depression years and World War II. If not longer. People back then weren’t into the disposable thing like now.
If you want to use my photography, or talk about my communications work, reach me at Wild West Communications.
Gillette "Brownie"
Here’s a Gillette “Brownie” from the 1920s, complete with Hospital blades.
The “Brownie” was the later incarnation of the Old Type Gillette razor, dating to the 1920s. This set was only produced during that decade, so it must be between 80 and 90 years old.
A quick history lesson:
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, which carries a 1904 patent, became known as the Old Type. It was produced under various names. The “Brownie” was so called because it came in the imitation brown leather case you see here. I believe the Brownie sold for $1, possibly at near-cost, as it developed customers for Gillette’s more profitable blades.
The original set included a silver blade box, which I’m lacking. I don’t get hung up on stuff like that, as I get these things to use them not put them on a shelf and look at them.
This historic beauty set me back a little over $20, shipped. It’s both a great shaver – quite aggressive, so it’s really difficult not to get a clean shave – and a historical artefact. Looking at the signs of wear on it, I’d say it’s seen use through a chunk of the 1920s, the Depression years and World War II. If not longer. People back then weren’t into the disposable thing like now.
If you want to use my photography, or talk about my communications work, reach me at Wild West Communications.