SMF

I just picked up a virtually mint Gillette "Milord" from the "Bay" for the astonishing price of less than $12.50 I just received it and it looks absolutely fantastic (I'll post some pics soon), but I did have one question. There is no date code of any kind on the razor and I was wondering if anyone had an idea of how to age this beauty. It is not that important, but I was just curious. I'd welcome any input, thanks.

Does the center bar have a notch? If not, it's made RIGHT after WWII. They put the notch in fairly early.

Yes, the center bar is notched. Based on the little bit of research I've done, I think it might be a 1949 model (these had notches, endcaps and no date code). I found this great site that provides wonderful pictures and information on all things Gillette: http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Gillet ... sierer.htm

According to safetyrazors.net, the oldest Milord goes back to 1941.

If the razor is US made and has notches in the center bar but no date code, it is almost certainly from 1948-1950. English made Gillettes ( and I believe, Canadian ones ) have no date codes.
Regards,
Gordon

Thanks for the input, it's always appreciated. Based on a bit more reading I'm fairly certain it is 49-50. I'm sterilizing it now, I'm going to use it tomorrow morning for the first time. I've been told they shave very much like early Super Speeds or Rockets, so we'll see how it goes.

Yeah. Basically they were simply gold toned Superspeeds.....which is just aces as far as getting a good shave is concerned. Enjoy, and let us know.
Regards,
Gordon

Kirasdad wrote:Thanks for the input, it's always appreciated. Based on a bit more reading I'm fairly certain it is 49-50. I'm sterilizing it now...

Watch out - that gold comes off easily.

"Sterilizing" razors is mostly fantasy, unless you have actual medical sterilizing equipment and know how to use it and the razor doesn't get badly damaged in the process.

notthesharpest wrote:

Kirasdad wrote:Thanks for the input, it's always appreciated. Based on a bit more reading I'm fairly certain it is 49-50. I'm sterilizing it now...

Watch out - that gold comes off easily.

"Sterilizing" razors is mostly fantasy, unless you have actual medical sterilizing equipment and know how to use it and the razor doesn't get badly damaged in the process.

I do have proper equipment, and the knowledge to use it . It came out beautifully; I used it this morning with excellent results (I posted a report on the SOTD section)

Pauldog wrote:According to safetyrazors.net, the oldest Milord goes back to 1941.

True--that Milord is pretty much a gold plated Ranger Tech. It should be easily distinguishable from the post WWII models.

Ah, Danny....good to hear from you.
Regards,
Gordon

Cigar Dan wrote:that Milord is pretty much a gold plated Ranger Tech. It should be easily distinguishable from the post WWII models.

The Ranger Tech shaves somewhat differently from the Super Speed, and the Milord I have looks just like a Super Speed, except for color.

Paul, Yes, and that's exactly what most of them are. But, apparently, there were a few 'Milords' made on the eve of WWII that were basically Ranger Techs. Presumably, these are relatively rare. After the war, the model was re-introduced but now using the new Superspeed as the carrier of the name.
Regards,
Gordon

"THINGS CHANGE"........CARLOS GAMBINO