(This post was last modified: 06-20-2020, 02:19 PM by Knothead.)
I received the razors I purchased on an auction site. They are exactly what the seller described, so that's a plus. Copied is the sellers description from the site: (Hope it's not too long, but it gave me some information and a little history)
The two Gem gold tone plated razors have the 'turn to operate' mechanism at the end of the
3 1/4” long handle. They close tightly and open easily. Both have superficial scratches on the covers of the head. They both look to have barely IF ever used. The open comb one has a small circle on the cover where the surface coating has been roughed away. The teeth on the comb are even. When the cover is opened, on the top of the base it reads: “GEM MICROMATIC, trademark” and on the underside of the base, it reads: “MADE IN USA, PAT. NOS. 17380-1773614.” There may be more numbers where the handle is attached to the head in the first set of numbers - the 173 being on one side of the handle and the 80 on the other side. There is one bump on the base to secure the blade. The closed comb one has the bullet tipped handle and three “bumps” on the base to secure the blade. On the top of the base is engraved: “GEM MICROMATIC, MADE IN U.S.A.” From what I could find, this razor is from the 1930s to 1940s.
The third razor is a TTO Gem, open comb chrome plated razor which is clean, shiny; and looks to have been barely used. It does have surface scratches on the blade holder cover and the handle is 3 1/4” long. I would date this razor to the 60s. On the underside of the base of the head, there reads: “MADE IN U.S.A.PAT. NOS 1739280-1773614”. On the base of the head, when the cover is opened, you see three bumps for the blade and engraved there is: “GEM MICROMATIC, REG. US PAT. OFF.” It is in very nice condition with even teeth.
The fourth razor is an antique silvertone STAR closed comb from 1912. The spring on the cover on the head is secure and clamps shut. On the base of the head, when the cover is opened, there is engraved: “STAR, MADE IN U.S.A.” On the back of the head is engraved: “STAR”; and on the head, where the handle screws into the head, there is engraved: “PAT’D 1912”. The heavy handle is in six sections with a beading like pattern along the edges on each of the six sections. There are surface scratches and some washing away of the finish on the head and the handle .
After inspecting and cleaning them thoroughly, I noticed a small cylindrical impression on the Bullet style razor. Similar to an embossed bullseye. Is this for identification of the style? I believe that I made a pretty good first purchase for the $12.95 I paid for all four. Will most likely only use 2 of the 4, and save the Star and Nickel GEM for collecting purposes.