So my August 2013 acquisitions all arrived this week while I was largely away for work. What are they? Glad you asked
First, a 1905 booklet that Gillette sent out in response to enquiries generated by their advertisements (remember, they were a radical change from previous shaving methods). You can see some more info in
this B&B thread. I'm particularly pleased to see this arrive. After this thread was posted the seller was contacted by other people offering more than the sale price. She had integrity and kept to the deal. I know at least one of the people who offered is a B&B member.
Not surprisingly really - nobody has indicated that they have seen one of these before. It goes nicely with
this postcard I received last month which also seems unique.
Second, a NOS No53 set (Aristocrat Junior) with shipper, NOS blades, instructions and cellophane wrapped razor. Another great pickup for a collector - not many in this condition!
Third, is a straight! Yes, a straight razor, shown in the auction listing
here. A local purchase as it happened but interest was because of the W JNO BAKER connection. They were a famous Sydney firm. I have one of their close Single Rings, a Milady with their logo on the ribbon and, mentioned here for the first time anywhere, an ABC Pocket Edition with their logo embossed. This just fills out that side of the collection a little.
Last, by no means least was
this lot that arrived today. Can anybody recognise the razor in the middle of the three uncased ones? Go on, think O-L-D Gillettes.
Correct - A Double Ring - the very first Gillette. At least that is was I HOPED it was.
It arrived today and it did look correct like a legitimate Double Ring but there were some clones so I unscrewed it and checked the serial number. OOPS, no serial number
Then I noticed the fair markings around the bottom of the barrel, 'Pat App For'.
:amazed:
This is one of the very first 1903/04 Double Rings prior to the patent being granted in November 1904. One of an estimated 55k produced before serial numbering started. I have one already but this will be a nice accompaniment.
Overall a good month, far better than most