Gillette Flare Tip Rocket ID...

52A Anniversary Set. Anodized Gold finish all Aluminum. Same design as "Rocket" a.k.a HD 500. Razor w/British pointed end caps & "Gap" above the TTO. Marking blade tray "PATENT PENDING", bottom tray left "Gillette" Diamond logo, lower right "MADE IN ENGLAND" A very nimble & unique razor. Weight 29.6 grams / 1.04 oz.
 
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You mean 1958, not '56. Nice examples though.
 
Gairdner said:
We did and we did it better!
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I've not seen any vintage Brit ads regarding the "TV Special". So, all the evidence points to the "TV Special" as flash-in-the-pan" Yankee thing. But one thing your folks "did it better" is the "Rocket" Flair Tip. I'm a "Rocket" design lover. Over the years I've run down what I think are all seven of them. Two are the same (Rhodium) handle but were put in two different sets. The #80 and "Travellers Deluxe".

All seven 1950-60's Flare Tips (aka Rockets). Razors #4 and #6 Rhodium plated from #80 Set and "Travelers Deluxe" Set. #5 is uncommon Gold. #2 and #3 Blue and Red Tip. #1 is standard/common Rocket. Razor #7 is 1960's style w/ "flat U.S. style" end caps. I also have the cases.
 
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Lovely as they both are, my favourite vintage is the #16 British Aristocrat 3rd generation with the flat base plate, heavy weight of 84g and full rhodium plate. That and the good old Rocket HD.

The American short comb NEWs with the common bar handle is another to die for beastie as are the OLD Pocket Editions and Empire set with the gorgeous, ornate handles.
 
I concur with your list. I only have two of your listed including a NEW SC. It's one of my top 3 shavers for closeness and smoothness. I find it better than the LC version (which is no slough) .
 
preidy said:
I concur with your list. I only have two of your listed including a NEW SC. It's one of my top 3 shavers for closeness and smoothness. I find it better than the LC version (which is no slough)View attachment 102978.
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That, sir, is thing of sheer beauty! There may be fancier but this captures everything that is good about its kind. Alas, the only one I have is the aforementioned Aristocrat but I consider myself lucky to own that smasher.
 
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Great to see all the Flare Tips pictured next to each other. Are there any differences between the #80 Flare Tip and a Traveller De-Luxe Flare Tip, other than the cases? I also thought Gillette marketed the Flare Tip for the French and German markets, but not sure if there were any differences other than cases.
 
preidy said:
I concur with your list. I only have two of your listed including a NEW SC. It's one of my top 3 shavers for closeness and smoothness. I find it better than the LC version (which is no slough)View attachment 102978.
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Beautiful SC; my one shows ever year of it's age, but thankfully still shaves great. I thought the SC was an inexpensive depression era razor, so suprised to see it came with such a snazy case and blade box.

 
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Just cases as concerns the #80 and Traveller Deluxe. Their vertical lined knurling and and rhodium finery set them apart from the standard Flare Tip rockets. I've read that only the handle is supposed to be rhodium but as far as I can tell, my own #80 appears to be fully rhodium plated. I actually prefer the grip of the standard nickel Flare Tip. I must take a picture of my humble and meagre collection sometime.
 
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