Vintage Gillette found

[steinmann]

Hello again,
I found this in a kitchen drawer at the apartment I bought 20 years ago; it must have been of the previous owner who passed away. I’ve put it aside and now found it again. I cleaned it with the vinegar method. It is stamped:
Inside, under the jaws: BRIT.PAT. 694093
Behind, outer part: Gillette MADE IN ENGLAND
First, I will be glad to know any additional info. I know it is a Gillette, but that’s it. I would like to know manufacturing date, model name or number, is it any good to use nowadays? It seems to be plated, while I was thinking that these were made our of inox steel. Will it be safe to use?
Thanks a lot in advance.

P.S. - is it possible to make the uploaded pic. to show in full sight?

[CMur12]

Hi Michael -

I don't know the British Gillettes as well as the American versions, but yours appears to be a Gillette Rocket from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s. As long as it hasn't suffered a fall and become misaligned, it should still be a good shaver.

The razor isn't made of stainless steel. It is nickel plating over brass or pot metal.

- Murray

[BPman]

It's a Made in England Gillette Flare Tip with the "II' head marking. Ironically, I just shaved with one today. The "II" only appears on the larger Super-Speed heads (pre circa. early 1960's) before they went to the smaller marked "S" head. There is also a Brit version marked with an "A" that is exactly like the "II". I have all three and the "S" head perhaps shaves just a tad smoother. All in all, these are a perfect daily shaver.

[steinmann]

Thanks guys. Have a nice weekend.

[nicodemus38]

soudnt it be a rocket? or were rockets the british pre flare with the same banded heads?

[CMur12]

The Rockets came in flair tip also.

- Murray

[BPman]

soudnt it be a rocket? or were rockets the british pre flare with the same banded heads?

Gillette England made Rockets and Super-Speed models, the latter are very rare.