Ethan Clarke
Gillette's plastic packaging contains a number 5 recycling logo, which refers to the type of resin used. Gillette razors made in the USA often featured serial numbers or date codes that can be used to determine their manufacturing dates. Gillette razors featured serial numbers from 1904 to 1921, and on deluxe models from 1921 to 1931, excluding 1927-1928. Gillette stopped using serial numbers on razors in 1930 and began marking blades with date codes in 1931, which are still in use today. From 1951 to 2001, Gillette date codes were found in the top left and right corners on the underside of razor guards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gillette packaging plastic identification code | 5 |
| Plastic type | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Plastic description | Hard but flexible |
| Gillette Date Codes | Used from January 1951 until 2001 |
| Gillette Date Codes location | Top left and right corners on the underside of razor guards |
| Gillette serial numbers | Impressed on all Gillette razors from 1904 until 1921, and on deluxe models from 1921 until 1931 (except for a period in 1927-28) |
| Gillette serial numbers location | Top of the guard or inner barrel |
| Gillette Blade Date Codes | Imprinted on one side of the blade as a series of letters and/or numbers, or on the cartridge |
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What You'll Learn
Gillette's plastic packaging includes a number 5 recycling logo
It is worth noting that Gillette's plastic packaging has been criticised for being excessive and unnecessary. For example, the "Gillette Venus Disposables SPA Breeze" product has been singled out for having too much plastic packaging, including a plastic container, a plastic sticker sheet, plastic sheets, plastic tabs, and a plastic scratch-and-sniff sticker. Suggestions have been made for Gillette to adopt more sustainable packaging alternatives, such as using thinner plastic that covers only what is necessary while still providing the required information.
Recycling symbols, such as the number 5 logo on Gillette's packaging, are important for helping consumers identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. These symbols are based on what the majority of local authorities collect or do not collect for recycling. However, it is essential to understand that the presence of a recycling symbol does not always guarantee that a product can be recycled. The recyclability of plastic depends on several factors, including the specific type of plastic, the capabilities of local recycling programs, and the methods used to separate and process different types of plastic.
To address the challenges associated with plastic recycling, it is recommended to prioritise reusable options over single-use plastics whenever possible. However, when single-use plastics cannot be avoided, recycling is the next best step to prevent them from ending up in landfills or harming marine life. It is important to familiarise oneself with the recycling symbols and guidelines specific to your locality to ensure that plastic waste is disposed of properly and responsibly. Additionally, consumers can advocate for companies like Gillette to reduce unnecessary plastic packaging and improve the recyclability of their products.
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Gillette razors had serial numbers from 1904 until 1931
Gillette razors featured serial numbers from 1904 until 1931. These serial numbers were impressed on all Gillette razors from 1904 until 1921, and on deluxe models from 1921 until 1931 (excluding a period in 1927-1928). This timeframe corresponds with King Gillette's direct involvement with the company, and the serial numbers may have been at his insistence. The serial numbers can be found on the top of the guard or, sometimes, the inner barrel.
From 1930 onwards, Gillette stopped using serial numbers on their razors. This means that dating vintage Gillette razors from this period is challenging. However, Gillette blades from 1930 onwards featured a date code: 'A' for 1930, 'B' for 1931, and so on, with an additional number indicating the quarter of the year (e.g. 'A-1' for January-March 1930). If a vintage razor is found with its original blades, these blade codes can be used to estimate the razor's age.
It is worth noting that this method of dating vintage Gillette razors is not entirely accurate, as the blades may not be original or may have been manufactured before or after the razor itself. Additionally, there were no razor serial numbers from 1931 until 1951, when Gillette Date Codes were introduced. These date codes can be found on the top left and right corners of the underside of razor guards, on both 3-piece and 1-piece models.
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Gillette blades were marked with date codes from 1930
From 1930 to 1949, Gillette razors were challenging to date precisely due to the absence of serial numbers or date codes. However, the blades produced during this period provide valuable dating information. By examining the date code on a blade, one can determine the approximate manufacturing date of a vintage razor if it is found with its original blades. Nonetheless, this method is not entirely accurate, as the blades may have been made before or after the razor or may not be the original blades.
The date code system was expanded in 1950 to include razors as well. This expansion marked a return to providing specific manufacturing dates for Gillette products. While the exact reasoning behind Gillette's decision to resume marking their products with date codes is not publicly known, it likely served purposes such as quality control, inventory management, or consumer assurance.
The date codes on Gillette blades from 1930 onwards offer a fascinating glimpse into the company's history and product timeline. Collectors and enthusiasts can utilise these codes to approximate the manufacturing dates of vintage razors and blades, contributing to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Gillette's evolution over the years.
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Gillette Date Codes were used from 1951 until 2001
The Gillette dating system can be used to date their safety razors and blades accurately. From 1930 to 1949, Gillette blades were stamped with a date code, but the razors themselves were unmarked, making them challenging to date precisely. During this period, the date code used letters to represent the year, with "A" denoting 1930, "B" for 1931, and so on, along with a number indicating the quarter of the year (1 to 4). So, "A-1" would mean the blade was made in the first quarter of 1930 (January to March).
If you find a vintage razor that still has its original blades, you can use the blade codes to estimate the razor's age. However, this method is not entirely accurate, as the blades may have been produced before or after the razor or may not be original to the razor. Gillette Date Codes provide valuable insights into the manufacturing history of their products, aiding collectors and enthusiasts in accurately dating their Gillette razors and blades.
Gillette's dating system offers valuable insights into the manufacturing history of their products, aiding collectors and enthusiasts in accurately dating their razors and blades.
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Gillette stopped using serial numbers on razors in 1930
Before 1930, Gillette razors made in the USA typically bore serial numbers or date codes, allowing their manufacturing dates to be determined. However, during specific periods, some or even all models lacked these markings. For instance, from October 18, 1927, to August 27, 1928, no serial numbers were used. The absence of serial numbers during this period was due to the production and serial numbering of the New Improved models. Old Types produced after the patent expiration in 1921 until the end of the 1920s would not have had serial numbers.
Determining the manufacturing date of a Gillette razor can be challenging, especially for those produced between 1930 and 1949, when serial numbers were discontinued. While blade date codes provide a partial solution, they are not always accurate due to the possibility of blades being replaced or belonging to a different production batch. This uncertainty highlights the complexities of dating vintage Gillette razors and the need for collectors and enthusiasts to employ a combination of research methods to establish the age of their razors accurately.
The transition from serial numbers to date codes on blades and, later, on razors themselves reflects Gillette's evolving production and marking practices. While serial numbers provided individual identification for each razor, the date codes offered a more general timeframe for production. This shift in marking systems likely influenced the dating accuracy of Gillette razors, particularly for collectors and enthusiasts interested in specific production batches or historical contexts.
In summary, Gillette's discontinuation of serial numbers on razors in 1930 presented challenges in precisely dating their products for nearly two decades. The use of date codes on blades and, later, on razors provided a partial solution, but the potential for variation in blade production and replacement added a layer of complexity to the dating process. This evolution in marking systems underscores the dynamic nature of manufacturing practices and the consequent impact on the historical tracking of Gillette razors.
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Frequently asked questions
Gillette razors made in the USA often have serial numbers or date codes that can be used to establish their manufacturing dates. Gillette razors had serial numbers impressed on them from 1904 to 1921, and on deluxe models from 1921 to 1931 (except for a period in 1927-1928). Gillette stopped using serial numbers on razors in 1930. From 1930 to 1949, Gillette started marking their blades with date codes, with a letter representing the year and a number representing the quarter of the year. For example, "A-1" means January-March 1930.
Gillette razors made before 1930 will have a serial number impressed on the top of the guard or sometimes the inner barrel.
Gillette razors made from 1930 to 1949 will have a date code imprinted on one side of the blade as a series of letters and/or numbers, or on the cartridge.
Gillette razors made after 1950 will have date codes found in the top left and right corners on the underside of razor guards, both 3-piece and 1-piece models. The letter represents the year, and the number (1-4) corresponds to the quarter of the year.
