02-08-2023, 01:24 PM
#1
User Info
So I was browsing the local classified website, and I found an offer that was just too good to pass up on. So I bought it, but I'm not sure what I bought. So I figured I ask y'all what I just spent a little bit of money on... I'm pretty certain it is a Tech, likely from the 60's, but I'm sure you'll let me know if I'm wrong Smile

[Image: 397_1551922610.jpg]

3 8,134
Reply
 02-08-2023, 03:10 PM
#2
  • garyg
  • Senior Member
  • Great Lakes
User Info
Nice find - I'm pretty sure its a TECH, the Silver Blades are unusual for me anyway.  Made in England maybe?  You maybe can tease out a blade for a Date Code if the razor doesn't have one ..

84 982
Reply
 02-08-2023, 06:56 PM
#3
User Info
Hans, we have members with an impressive knowledge of vintage razors, so I have no doubt you'll get a definitive answer.  All I can say is that your razor and its packaging look brand new.  Great find!

60 12,433
Reply
 02-08-2023, 07:07 PM
#4
  • norton
  • Active Member
  • The Alien Nation
User Info
Have a couple/three of those.  Affectionately known as 'spiral techs'. 
Prices are all over the place.  In the US they sold for under a dollar originally.  I've seen NOS listed for over 50 USD on the 'bay - but none as complete as yours above.

There are others here that know more than I do, but from my experience -
the finish is decent - cap is said to be zamak - but that's fine - the plating will hold if not abused. All mine have the 'Gillette' stamped into the cap like yours above.  Handles are said to be Aluminum. 
Alignment is perfect - uses the 4 'bumps' under the cap like the NEW. No raised slot on the cap - its that 'triangle' cap design.  The plate is mainly flat, leaving the bending of the blade to the cap.  This works better than it sounds. 
There are at least 2 handle variants - 3 if you consider weight/material a 'variant'.  The 'flat bottom' handle type here, and another with a similar pattern with a more 'old type ball end' looking handle.

Of the 3 I have handy, the weights differ.

S 4 (1972) - IND BRASILEIRA - easily the lightest - likely one of the lightest razors I own. 
O 4  (1969) - MARCUS REGS - with the 'ball end' - MARCUS REGS is Spanish, but no country of manufacture apparent.  Mexico maybe? 
O 1 (1969)- MADE IN ENGLAND - stamped on the inside of the plate, not underneath.  The O 1 is underneath on the diamond.  Easily the heaviest.  Not as heavy as an all brass 40's tech, but heavy compared to the other 2.  I suspect the handle on this one is not Aluminum because the weight difference is really very noticeable.  It's also shinier, meaning it may be plated zamak (or brass) as well. 

The good news - they all shave very well.  I actually like them better than the all brass 40s ball end techs I have, and put as sharp a blade in them as I can find - Gillette Platinum Blues, Feathers, Wizamets...

England on left.  Marcus Regs middle.  Brasileira on right.  

[Image: t9B4JqF.jpg]

18 280
Reply
 02-08-2023, 07:38 PM
#5
  • chazt
  • Super Moderator
  • Queens, NY
User Info
Hans, you got yourself a heckuva find there! Enjoy using it Smile
I have a NDC English tech with a similar handle, but an older logo, etched top cap. It’s an excellent shave tool. The handle on mine is not aluminum. Rather, it seems to be plated brass. Very unusual for the basket weave handles.

22 7,071
Reply
 02-08-2023, 09:22 PM
#6
  • Shaun
  • Senior Member
  • St Peters, NSW, Australia
User Info
Looks to me like an aeroplane travel set customer give-away on high-end flights. Going by the blades (only 2 in the dispenser), I’m thinking 1964, or a bit earlier. 

Looks superb, and the Tech is a great shaver. I have seen them in this style in both all brass and all aluminium. What is this example?

1 2,592
Reply
 02-08-2023, 10:04 PM
#7
User Info
Thanks for the answers so far goys Smile

I don't have it in hand yet, the seller just posted it to me this morning, but once I have it I'll check for a date code and weigh it.

It became mine for the princely sum of a little shy of 10USD, so worth it Biggrin

3 8,134
Reply
 02-09-2023, 02:38 AM
#8
  • norton
  • Active Member
  • The Alien Nation
User Info
I'll give you 11 dollars for it.

Seriously though - these look like the last Techs made.  The handles don't indicate location - since there were English made that have the ball end and all aluminum handle too - some with an all smooth (no Gillette stamp) on the cap.  Those seem to have been made in the UK for the US military.

Also - I have heard that all Techs made after the 50s have zamak caps.  However these are constructed, they shave very well.

18 280
Reply
 02-09-2023, 03:10 AM
#9
  • Shaun
  • Senior Member
  • St Peters, NSW, Australia
User Info
Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)