Merkur Progress

[Walid]

So, how do we know if we're buying a vintage or a recent one?
I found 2 different presentations. One in a light cardboard and one in a transparent Bakelite top. And both models are sold as brand new from shaving websites.

 

[efsk]

No red paint, numbering starts at 1, markings on the side of the head are unpainted and basically a shallow triangle. You can compare images HERE. Or order there of course, although I don't know if they ship to Canada.

 

[Clouds]

So, how do we know if we're buying a vintage or a recent one?
I found 2 different presentations. One in a light cardboard and one in a transparent Bakelite top. And both models are sold as brand new from shaving websites.

They are the same razor but sold under two different model numbers.
Merkur have been selling the "Progress" razor in a plastic case or a cardboard box going back to the late 1950's when they were first launched.
The Current Progress in a cardboard box is a 500 and the one in the plastic case is a 570.

 

[efsk]

There's also a model with a longer handle. That has a different 5x0 number as well.

 

[Clouds]

There's also a model with a longer handle. That has a different 5x0 number as well.

Yip a Model 510
http://adjustablerazors.co.za/adjustable-razors/merkur/progress510m
I can't recall seeing it in a plastic case.

 

[Walid]

No red paint, numbering starts at 1, markings on the side of the head are unpainted and basically a shallow triangle

This description is for vintage right? I am only interested in vintage (Although, My first safety razor was a Merkur 15c)

You can compare images HERE.

This seems to be a website for the non-vintage Merkur. Am I wrong?

Or order there of course, although I don't know if they ship to Canada.

I have an address in Germany. I use mygermany.com service. I have about 10 razors stored there waiting to be shipped.

There's also a model with a longer handle. That has a different 5x0 number as well.

I guess you're talking about the 510. I don't think there is a vintage version for that. Then again, I could be wrong, not yet expert in European razors... working on it.

 

[efsk]

This description is for vintage right? I am only interested in vintage (Although, My first safety razor was a Merkur 15c)

THE vintage Merkur Progress has numbers and markings in red, and the scale starts at 0. What I'm showing in the first post of this thread: first gen Progress. All gold are vintage too, as are the all-white-plastic ones.

 

[Old School TSD]

I just saw this thread for the first time. So many beauties I can't believe I have one to add. Has that 50s white silver plate process...

 

[benedetto]

I just saw this thread for the first time. So many beauties I can't believe I have one to add. Has that 50s white silver plate process...
View attachment 30802
View attachment 30803

beautiful specimen of merkur progress razor .. pity about the box which is not of that model ... but of the 510 (with base in pollopas) the same was used in recent years also for the 830 model (completely in pollopas excluding the head) .

 

[benedetto]

The 830 package and instructions (In German on the opposite side)
I'm not sure if the three blades formed part of it. They are labelled 0.06 / 0.08 / 0.10 respectively so I' guessing those would be their thicknesses?

View attachment 24500​

View attachment 24501​

Hello, yes, the three blades of different thicknesses were included with the razor and were used to make the buyer aware of which of the three were more satisfactory for the type of razor.

 

[benedetto]

Hi
I was wondering, how much can cost this lovely razor?
Cheers! Guido

Hi Guido, they are collector's items and like all collector's items they have a decidedly subjective cost in money. The value of these objects lies in their rarity, in the state of conservation of the razor and their equipment. So answering your question a collector will only be able to make an estimate ..

 

[Old School TSD]

Hello, yes, the three blades of different thicknesses were included with the razor and were used to make the buyer aware of which

beautiful specimen of merkur progress razor .. pity about the box which is not of that model ... but of the 510 (with base in pollopas) the same was used in recent years also for the 830 model (completely in pollopas excluding the head) .

Not following you. Pollopos? Found out at a flea market for $5 so not complaining, but likely came in that box.
I have a NOS Enders Speed still sealed inside with a green handle. The tabs on the box say "blue handle"... definitly original without a doubt.

 

[Old School TSD]

Not following you. Pollopos? Found out at a flea market for $5 so not complaining, but likely came in that box.
I have a NOS Enders Speed still sealed inside with a green handle. The tabs on the box say "blue handle"... definitly original without a doubt.

If also like to know if you have found any documentation on this white silver plate finish... show me what the model and "right" box is please.

 

[Walid]

If also like to know if you have found any documentation on this white silver plate finish... show me what the model and "right" box is please.

Hey Mike, Benedetto is an expert in German razors. Look at the beginning of progress thread and the Apollo thread to understand the depth of his knowledge. He really collects the documentation and investigated the history of these companies.

 

[Old School TSD]

Hey Mike, Benedetto is an expert in German razors. Look at the beginning of progress thread and the Apollo thread to understand the depth of his knowledge. He really collects the documentation and investigated the history of these companies.

Cool, I want to know more about this one... I've never seen much, if anything, on the white silver progress. Looking forward to what he can share. When you going l find a pristine razor, in a pristine box at a flea market, and the old man tells you he bought it in the 50s, you tend to believe what he's saying. For $5 I don't think he was trying to hustle me lol. Who knows though what I'll "remember" in 40 years...

 

[Walid]

Cool, I want to know more about this one... I've never seen much, if anything, on the white silver progress. Looking forward to what he can share.

Yeah, one more thing. The guys in here are mostly European. The way we talk you and I is different; and even though I know you meant no harm (because that's the way we talk). But the folks in here might interpret that as arrogant. It took me some time to adjust (well, I think so).
To be honest, I thought they were weird with the way they communicate and also their love of plastic razors, I mean, WTF, who would buy a plastic "toy" razor and shave with it?
Then I saw the error of my ways (thanks to @efsk ), and started collecting these razors and yes, they do shave amazing. I dropped the "toy" labelling and started calling them Bakelite razors (much less condescending).
Being in this forum actually changed my collection and collecting habits. With forum-der-rasur, this is the best Collector's forum for me.
@benedetto

 

[benedetto]

Cool, I want to know more about this one... I've never seen much, if anything, on the white silver progress. Looking forward to what he can share. When you going l find a pristine razor, in a pristine box at a flea market, and the old man tells you he bought it in the 50s, you tend to believe what he's saying. For $5 I don't think he was trying to hustle me lol. Who knows though what I'll "remember" in 40 years...

wow for 5$ you got a good deal, and then be proud of it .. for the rest I can only tell you that there are no Merkur progress with white finish on the handle, the handle was varnished and not by Hans and Erich Hermes .. the box it was used for two models or for the 510 or for the 830 .. how do I know? I have the Merkur catalogues.. and even if I don't have them it says on the box! As far as I'm concerned, I'm modest, I don't like it brag about my knowledge .. but I mostly rely on facts and evidence .. but in general I never trust what a seller tells me.

 

[benedetto]

Not following you. Pollopos? Found out at a flea market for $5 so not complaining, but likely came in that box.
I have a NOS Enders Speed still sealed inside with a green handle. The tabs on the box say "blue handle"... definitly original without a doubt.

follow @Walid advice,try to reply to posts trying to be less "aggressive" we europeans don't like this way of writing ..

the merkur combs are not made of plastic or white bakelite but in pollopas ... https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollopas

 

[efsk]

Not following you. Pollopos?

See post 12 and post 17 of this thread. Compare those razors with the one pictured on your shipper.

 

[Old School TSD]

We

follow @Walid advice,try to reply to posts trying to be less "aggressive" we europeans don't like this way of writing ..

the merkur combs are not made of plastic or white bakelite but in pollopas ... https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollopas

We Americans don't like to be told what to do though
I still don't follow, are you saying that a third party bought progresses, replated themselves, and sold them? You don't believe this plating process was done by merkur?
Sorry in advance for being me lol.