Vintage safety razors pack some of the most bang for the buck, but knowing if they are fully functional, hygienic and shave-ready is a different story. This razor has gone through our complete tune up process. We first clean the razor in our industrial ultrasonic machine to remove any soap scum, mineral deposits and grime. Disassembly is carried out for the best results whenever possible. Next we carefully polish the inside and out of the razor, bringing the vintage metal up to a high luster. Mechanical adjustments are made to ensure the best functionality of the razor.

Country of Manufacture: USA
Type: Double Edge
Finish: Original Gillette Nickel
Date: 1920's
Condition: Good
Imperfections: Box & Razor Showing Signs of previous use; Crack on handle
Included: Cardboard Box, Case, Razor, Blade Bank 


History:
According to Gillette historian Russell Adams, the term "Brownie" was used by Gillette to refer to ALL the Old Type razors that were sold after the New Improved came out in 1921. These were the Old Types that were no longer protected by the 1904 patent, which Gillette sold for $1 apiece after introducing the New Improved for $5. Brilliant move to head off the impending flood of generic "Old Type" clones. If Adams is correct, all Old Types produced from 1921 on are Brownies. They were "sets" only in that you got blades with the razor. There were upscale versions sold with nice boxes that said, "Brownie", but most were just a razor and blades for $1. And Gillette referred to all of them as Brownies.

BTW, according to Adams, in the first two months of the New Improved's availability, Gillette sold 500,000 of the New Improved and a whopping 3 million Brownies. And the Brownie continued to be Gillette's volume leader throughout the 1920's.