Images(6)

Kit, Shaving

Object number2018.8.15 a-f

Manufacturer The Gillette Company (1901 - 2005)

Date1917-1918

MediumMetal; Canvas; Fabric

Credit LineGift of Edward Feinstein

DescriptionShaving kit comprised of case, razor handle, razor head mount, razor comb/guard, and razor blade case with lid. Case is rounded rectangular metal case with interior and exterior covered in dark khaki/olive drab canvas fabric; clamshell case with hinge along back edge. Interior of base has three compartments for shaving accessories. Razor components and razor blade case are silver chrome.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a - closed): 0.938 x 4.188 x 2.25 in. (2.4 x 10.6 x 5.7 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a - open): 2.5 x 4.188 x 2.875 in. (6.4 x 10.6 x 7.3 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (b-d together): 3.25 x 1.563 x 1 in. (8.3 x 4 x 2.5 cm)
Length x Diameter (b): 3.125 x 0.5 in. (7.9 x 1.3 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (c): 1.563 x 0.75 x 0.5 in. (4 x 1.9 x 1.3 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (d): 1.563 x 0.938 x 0.188 in. (4 x 2.4 x 0.5 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (e-f together): 1.938 x 1 x 0.375 in. (4.9 x 2.5 x 1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (e): 1.875 x 1 x 0.375 in. (4.8 x 2.5 x 1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (f): 0.625 x 1 x 0.375 in. (1.6 x 2.5 x 1 cm)
Inscriptions(c)
Top face has hand-engraved text "KALSON".

(d)
Interior face has hand-engraved text along top edge "KALSON".

(e)
Each face has hand-engraved text "KALSON".
Marks(a)
Interior of lid has silver imprinted text "MADE IN U.S.A. / Gillette / KNOWN THE WORLD OVER / KHAKI SET".

(b)
Base of handle shaft has engraved text "PAT. NOV.15.04 ".

(d)
Top face has imprinted text "F363269".

Interior face has text in viewer's bottom left corner "TRADE Gillette MARK" and in viewer's bottom right corner "MADE IN U.S.A."

(f)
Top face has maker's mark with text "TRADE Gillette MARK / KNOWN THE WORLD OVER".
Historical NotesShaving kit belonging to Isadore Kalson. Isadore Kalson (1896-1980) worked in his youth for Rauh Bros. & Co. He served in World War I with the 52nd Infantry, Sixth Division. He was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Corp. H. O. Diller Post No. 156, Mt. Washington and was elected VFW Allegheny County Commander in 1934, becoming the first Jewish person to hold the post. He later worked in city government and ran successfully in a close race against Richard Mellon Scaife for Republican Party Chair. He lived in Oakland and Squirrel Hill in his later years. Isadore's father, Harry Kalson, immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1891. He was later joined by brothers Nathan Kalson, David Kalson, Samuel Kalson, Mrs. L. Moll, Mrs. Ida Becker and Mrs. Anna Brinn. He worked as a plumbing and building contractor and later ran the Profit Sharing Laundry Co. with his sons. He was the proprietor of Kalson’s Natatorium, a popular bath house in the Hill District. Kalson was active in Republican politics and served a term on the Common Council in 1905. He was president of Tifrerth Israel Congregation for nine years under the tenure of Rabbi Eliyahu Kochin. He was a founder of the United Hebrew Orthodox Congregations of Western Pennsylvania and its president in 1923 and 1924. He was also a founder of the Hebrew Religious Academy at 81-83 Tannehill Street. He was active in many Jewish philanthropies, including the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, Keren Hayesod and Montefiore Hospital, as well as many fraternal lodges. Harry Kalson and his wife Hinda Libbe Horwitz Kalson had at least eight children: Dr. Abraham Maurice Kalson, Samuel H. Kalson, Isadore Kalson, Robert Kalson, Ralph Kalson, William Kalson, Jacob E. Kalson and Ruth Kalson. Jacob E. Kalson was the assistant district attorney

Previous owner Isadore Kalson (1896 - 1980)

Related institution Rauh Brothers and Company

Related institution 52nd Infantry Regiment

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