Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed Value Guide

The Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed is a mid-century icon known for its innovative twist-to-open butterfly mechanism that revolutionized home grooming. Produced in the United States between 1954 and 1960, it remains highly collectible for its reliable engineering and mild shaving profile.

What Is Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed Worth?

The typical price range for Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical functionality, specifically the smooth operation of the twist-to-open doors and internal T-bar.
• The condition of the nickel plating, with higher values for pieces lacking 'plate loss' or 'brassing'.
• Presence of the original period-correct case and blade dispenser which can push value toward the top of the $25-$35 range.
• Cleanliness of the knurling on the handle, as soap scum or oxidation can diminish aesthetic appeal.

How to Identify Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed?

• Look for the distinctive flared knob at the base of the handle used to operate the butterfly doors.
• Check the underside of the base plate for a date code consisting of a letter and a number (e.g., Z-1 for 1954).
• Verify the 'Gillette' logo and 'Made in U.S.A.' stamping on the underside of the head.
• Confirm the material is nickel-plated brass, which gives the razor its characteristic silver-toned weight and luster.

History of Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed

The Super Speed series revolutionized home grooming with its butterfly opening mechanism, which allowed for quick and safe blade changes. The Flare Tip model was introduced in the mid-1950s as a successor to earlier iterations, becoming a staple of mid-century American bathrooms due to its reliable engineering and mild shaving characteristics.