My third safety razor

[Mike E. P.]

I was visiting an uncle today and we started talking about wet shaving and how I had developed an interest recently. He excused himself for a minute and when he returned, he presented me with the razor in the picture. I believe it is a Gilette Red Tip, manufactured between 1951-1959.

I am pretty excited to clean it up and give it a try. I wanted to purchase a vintage razor, but this is special since it comes from my uncle.

[warhawk]

Hi Mike:  Congrats on the legendary Gillette Red Tip.  When you are able... look at the back of the razor for a date code.  You should have a letter and a number opposite the letter.  Let me know what it is and I can find out what year it was made.

WARHAWK

[Mike E. P.]

Mel, that's awesome. I was wondering what the letter and number meant. It is A 3.

[warhawk]

Mel, that's awesome. I was wondering what the letter and number meant. It is A 3.

HI Mike:  Congrats... you have a 1955 Red Tip made in the third quarter (July-September).  If you happen to pick up another vintage Gillette here is an excellent chart.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

WARHAWK

[Mike E. P.]

Thanks, Mel. Very cool!

[Sir Harry]

Nice razor, Mike!, Nice of your uncle on his part also!

[Magoo]

Congratulations   Mike , good find. I've inherited my fathers  1953 Gillette Super speed.Years ago I had my own Gillette adjustable but gave it up back in the 70's , when the first  2 blades came out. They at the time were cheaper than the DE's sold in the stores. That was how the company's brought in the cartridge razors. Then they gradually raised the price to its present crazy cost.