Images(11)

Razor, Safety

Object number2018.105.25 a-e

Manufacturer The Gillette Company (1901 - 2005)

Datec. 1920

MediumMetal; Fabric

Credit LineGift of Patty Sims

DescriptionRazor case containing with mirror, razor blade, mount, and handle.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 2 × 4 × 0.875 in. (5.1 × 10.2 × 2.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 1.75 × 3.875 × 0.063 in. (4.4 × 9.8 × 0.2 cm)
Height x Width (c): 0.875 × 1.75 in. (2.2 × 4.4 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 1 × 1.625 × 0.188 in. (2.5 × 4.1 × 0.5 cm)
Length x Diameter (e): 3.063 × 0.5 in. (7.8 × 1.3 cm)
Inscriptions(b) "WARRANTED / RUST / PROOF" around hole.

(c) On front: Text across top section reads: "KNOWN THE WORLD OVER". Text underneath first hole reads: "NO / STROPPING". Text under second hole reads: "820". Text below third hole reads: "NO / HONING".

On back reads: "GILLETTE / BLADE" in center, and "NOT TO BE RE-SHARPENED" along bottom edge.
Marks(c) On front: Maker's mark in center of top section, which reads "Gillete" printed in the center of a diamond shape. "MADE" printed above this on left side of mark and "IN U.S.A." printed above this on the right.

On back: across top reads: "U.S.A. PAT. NO. 775134".

(d) Underside of mount reads "MADE IN U.S.A.". To the left there is a maker's mark that has "Gillete" printed in the center of a diamond shape.

Opposite side reads: "E952465".

(e) Handle reads: "PA" above rounded end.
Historical NotesThis razor case was stored in a steamer trunk that was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. This steamer trunk was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. The donor’s father, James Hahn was close to the Ferrara family and, when the parents passed away, he continued to help daughters Jo and Dolly who never married. After they died, the donor and her father cleaned out the house and discovered this trunk and its contents. The trunk belonged to the Ferarra’s cousin, Domenico Ferrara. Originally from Rivisondoli in the province of L’Aquila, he lived in various places around Pittsburgh, as well as Detroit and Atlanta, before moving in with his relatives at 1431 Denniston Ave in the early 1950s. Untouched since Domenico’s death in the 1970s, the trunk contained many items that offered clues about his life. He served in WWI for the United States, was a tailor by profession, and invested in the stock market, which financed his travels around the U.S.

Previous owner Domenico Ferrara

Related person Jo Ferrara

Related person Dolly Ferrara

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