Gillette Flat Bottom "NEW" Open Comb Safety Razors and & Variants

[Massraffa]

I have an open comb that I found extra in a grooming set. It has no markings on it.

I thought it was a Gillette Old Type and as its in a grooming set. I thought some times Gillette did not always mark them. Then someone contacted me saying it's a Souplex possibly better made than a Gillette. Made around 1950's mine, they said there is an interesting detail on the base of the box a lozenge. Also the ring on the base of the handle on mine is I think interesting.

 

[pjgh]

There were literally scores of Old-type open comb razors in the '50s on the UK market. Best guess is, the patent expired in the British market and it was open season. Yeah, likely that's a Souplex although Souplex were a plastics company and it's my belief that their razors were made by Laurel (Sheffield).

 

[Twelvefret]

I am enjoying these vintage discussions which I do not see often on this forum. Keep them coming!!

 

[Massraffa]

There were literally scores of Old-type open comb razors in the '50s on the UK market. Best guess is, the patent expired in the British market and it was open season. Yeah, likely that's a Souplex although Souplex were a plastics company and it's my belief that their razors were made by Laurel (Sheffield).

Yes the only Souplex I can find is the bakelit or plastic one. The gentleman who reached out to me this is a piece from his message.

"All the contents of shaving kits have the same 'MADE IN ENGLAND' on everything. I have seen plastic razors with the same 'MADE IN ENGLAND' but also a patent number, when you check the patent it leads to Souplex.
These metal razors were supplied as a cheap alternative to Gillette, but the manufacturers of the kits didn't want the Souplex name on everything.
I think I am correct, but I cannot prove it. I can't find much info on the company. I used to visit Morecambe, library there knew nothing and likewise Lancaster. All archives moved to Preston.
Souplex still existed in late 1990's but was then sold off.
They made a lot of very interesting things. Light metalwork and plastic mouldings from early 1920's. The lady's Nymph razor. Blades. Eric Morecambe worked there briefly! Souplex were very big in shaving products.
Anyway, if it was Gillette it would certainly have the name on it. "

Very interesting information this gentleman supplied here. It's really nice to receive and research the history and background to these old vintage razors.

 

[TobyC]

Many Souplex razors were marked Souplex. I've never seen a handle like that one.

 

[TobyC]

This is what I usually see of the metal ones.

 

[TobyC]

 

[Massraffa]

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Nice razor you have there very nice.

 

[Massraffa]

Many Souplex razors were marked Souplex. I've never seen a handle like that one.

I know the ring on the base of the ball end it's I think a nice and interesting detail. I am confused to what make of razor mine is. Not sure if its a Souplex mine or undercover Gillette. Have to think why if a Gillette why they would not stamp the Gillette mark on it. My only guess it's a Souplex and Gillette did not want Souplex name on the razor for their grooming set. The set came with two razors.

 

[Shaun2]

Back on topic...

I have a very nice example of a Flat Bottom NEW on its way to me from Australia's north. I hope to have it tomorrow in the post. An unusual/rare one.

 

[TobyC]

I know the ring on the base of the ball end it's I think a nice and interesting detail. I am confused to what make of razor mine is. Not sure if its a Souplex mine or undercover Gillette. Have to think why if a Gillette why they would not stamp the Gillette mark on it. My only guess it's a Souplex and Gillette did not want Souplex name on the razor for their grooming set. The set came with two razors.

The grooming sets in the leather cases weren't made by Gillette.

 

[TobyC]

I have an open comb that I found extra in a grooming set. It has no markings on it.

I thought it was a Gillette Old Type and as its in a grooming set. I thought some times Gillette did not always mark them. Then someone contacted me saying it's a Souplex possibly better made than a Gillette. Made around 1950's mine, they said there is an interesting detail on the base of the box a lozenge. Also the ring on the base of the handle on mine is I think interesting.

The pins on the top cap are not Souplex or Gillette.

 

[TobyC]

Nice razor you have there very nice.

Not mine, Google images.

 

[Shaun2]

This arrived today, and is now cleaned up. Some light brassing showing through on the knurling particularly (usual wear), but nothing injurious to the eye. One tooth micro-raised up (fetch me a loupe!) but it all came up rather well, I think, for a 90-year old

The Rubie Flat Bottom New, date not exactly certain, but likely 1930s. It has cousins: The Nacet, Grom, and Minora, none of which I own, but have seen online. Probably a Gillette series? Does anyone know? They would make a great quartet!

 

[Estariol]

This arrived today, and is now cleaned up. Some light brassing showing through on the knurling particularly (usual wear), but nothing injurious to the eye. One tooth micro-raised up (fetch me a loupe!) but it all came up rather well, I think, for a 90-year old

The Rubie Flat Bottom New, date not exactly certain, but likely 1930s. It has cousins: The Nacet, Grom, and Minora, none of which I own, but have seen online. Probably a Gillette series? Does anyone know? They would make a great quartet!

You mentioned Grom, do you happen to know where that one was made?