Safety Razor Appraisal

Gillette Aristocrat Safety Razor Set

This item is a vintage Gillette Aristocrat Safety Razor set, presented in its original hinged case. The razor itself is gold-toned metal, likely brass with a gold wash or plating, exhibiting a classic three-piece or TTO (Twist-To-Open) design common to Gillette safety razors. The handle features a distinctive diagonal etched or fluted pattern, providing grip, while the bottom of the handle appears to have knurling for twist operation. The head of the razor is a traditional open-comb design, indicating it might be an older model known for a more aggressive shave compared to closed-comb designs. The set also includes a smaller, rectangular gold-toned dispenser, likely for razor blades. The entire set is housed in a hard case with a textured, deep purple, possibly velvet or satin, lining. The interior lid of the case features a gold-stamped logo with the word 'ARISTOCRAT' prominently displayed, confirming the model name. The exterior of the case is not fully visible but appears to be a textured, dark material. Visible condition issues include some minor tarnishing or wear on the gold finish of both the razor and the blade dispenser, consistent with age and use. The fabric lining of the case shows slight signs of compression where the items rest, but generally appears intact. The craftsmanship suggests a quality item from the mid-20th century, likely from the 1930s-1950s, a period when Gillette razors like the Aristocrat were popular and highly regarded for their design and durability.