British made Bostonian?

[Lynchy]

Hey all,

So.... I was watching a cased Bostonian on EBay. Just out of curiosity, I though the price would go to high. However my wife caught wind of it and bought if for Fathers day.

I only just got around to cleaning it up today. I didnt take before pics:sad2: I forgot.

I used dish soap and a tooth brush to remove the crud, and then aluminium foil, boiling water and bicarbonate soda to bring up some shine. I also used a touch of metal polish on the head and case.

All in all I was happy with the results.

So I took to YKW to try and date this bad boy. That's when I got confused... I couldn't find any info on the serial no: I had???

After a bit more research it seems I have a "made in England" Bostonian. The case reads "Case Made in USA"???

Pat.133963-1917 and a serial no: 140938Y

So here are some pics:

I does have some plate loss as you can see.

Also a crack at both ends of the barrel. After cleaning I can now separate the base plate from the barrel. :worried:

So some questions I have for the collective:

1. I read a few threads saying it was rare. Is it like Doubble ring, don't shave with it, place it up on a shelf rare? Or rare as in not usually seen, but nothing to get too excited about?

2. The loose barrel and cracks. What's the best was to repair it/stop it cracking further?

3. Any idea on production year based on that serial number?

4. Those blade? Should I use them?

5. My lovely wife paid $35 for it! Was it a good deal? Rough value?

Thanks a bunch guys I appreciate your expertise!

 

[lenard]

Nice razor, I know next to nothing about vintage gillettes but I think your missus got a bargain. You have to shave with it and tell us all about it.

 

[Lynchy]

Nice razor, I know next to nothing about vintage gillettes but I think your missus got a bargain. You have to shave with it and tell us all about it.

Thanks mate. I reckon it's a bargain.

I probably will shave with it at some point, just want some more info on it first.

 

[Johnus]

I have the US model. On #2 when you say "loose barrel" do you mean that the barrel is cracked at the top and just doesn't fit snugly on the top piece? Or that when you try to tighten the stem that it wont tighten up firmly?
(Have razors that do both)

They are a nice razor and do shave well. Year you're looking at 1922 was when they came out . The 'Tuckaway' was ~ 1921.

 

[Mark1966]

1. I read a few threads saying it was rare. Is it like Double ring, don't shave with it, place it up on a shelf rare? Or rare as in not usually seen, but nothing to get too excited about?

It is less common than the US models but I have a couple (?) :embarrest:. You can read a thread on my first one here which links to some other threads. I've got its history in consolidated form on my site here

Certainly use it - they give a great shave. Try to look after it but don't get too anal about it.

2. The loose barrel and cracks. What's the best was to repair it/stop it cracking further?

Epoxy is the usual recommendation

3. Any idea on production year based on that serial number?

1921 onwards is the best we can do I think. There are not the records of serial numbers for the UK production as there are for the US

4. Those blade? Should I use them?

I'm not a blade expert but I'd say they should be OK if the more recent type and not rusted. I think that the pre-1950s blades were pretty ordinary though.

5. My lovely wife paid $35 for it! Was it a good deal? Rough value?

Yep, she did very well. I'd say it would be worth double that easily.


BTW - you have the barrel on upside down. That patent number should be around the bottom.

 

[Lynchy]

I have the US model. On #2 when you say "loose barrel" do you mean that the barrel is cracked at the top and just doesn't fit snugly on the top piece? Or that when you try to tighten the stem that it wont tighten up firmly?
(Have razors that do both)

They are a nice razor and do shave well. Year you're looking at 1922 was when they came out . The 'Tuckaway' was ~ 1921.

Thanks man. Yeah the barrel is cracked at the top and comes away from the baseplate.

Thanks for the info.

1. I read a few threads saying it was rare. Is it like Double ring, don't shave with it, place it up on a shelf rare? Or rare as in not usually seen, but nothing to get too excited about?

It is less common than the US models but I have a couple (?) :embarrest:. You can read a thread on my first one here which links to some other threads. I've got its history in consolidated form on my site here

Certainly use it - they give a great shave. Try to look after it but don't get too anal about it.

2. The loose barrel and cracks. What's the best was to repair it/stop it cracking further?

Epoxy is the usual recommendation

3. Any idea on production year based on that serial number?

1921 onwards is the best we can do I think. There are not the records of serial numbers for the UK production as there are for the US

4. Those blade? Should I use them?

I'm not a blade expert but I'd say they should be OK if the more recent type and not rusted. I think that the pre-1950s blades were pretty ordinary though.

5. My lovely wife paid $35 for it! Was it a good deal? Rough value?

Yep, she did very well. I'd say it would be worth double that easily.


BTW - you have the barrel on upside down. That patent number should be around the bottom.

Thanks Mark. I will check out those links!

Once I have repaired it I will start shaving with it. With the barrel the right way up

I deffinatley will look after it, this is my first real vintage Gillette, will be one I keep!

Does anyone have any epoxy suggestions, hopefully something found at bunnings or similar??? Also the process? I just don't wanna do more damage!

I will try those blades out at some point, I will post and let you all know.

I will tell my wife she scored a bargain, she will dig that!

 

[Mark1966]

... Does anyone have any epoxy suggestions ...

Yes, less is more.

You are only trying to hold the barrel in place NOT fill the interior - otherwise the rod will not be able to screw onto the head. A thin smear of Araldite or similar around the part that the barrel fits over, push the barrel on, wipe of excess WELL to avoid problems later and check the interior for no lumps.

Good luck!

 

[Lynchy]

Thanks Mark, will see how I go.

Cheers

 

[Johnus]

Let us know how it works out. They're interesting razors.

 

[Lynchy]

Let us know how it works out. They're interesting razors.

Thanks,

It will probably be a weekend project.

I will keep you all updated.

Cheers