Antique Milady Décolleté Gillette Safety Razor
Early 20th Century Ladies Grooming Razor | Original Box | England
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This exquisite little piece is a rare and beautifully evocative example of early 20th-century ladies’ grooming history — the Milady Décolleté Safety Razor, produced by Gillette at their British works in Slough, Buckinghamshire.
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Delicate in scale yet rich in story, this charming razor was specifically designed for women at a time when fashion, femininity, and modernity were rapidly evolving. As hemlines rose and necklines lowered during the Edwardian period and into the early inter-war years, discreet personal grooming became part of the modern woman’s world — and Gillette responded with elegance.
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A Razor Made for “Milady”
The term “Décolleté” refers to the neckline, shoulders, and upper chest — areas newly revealed by contemporary fashion. This razor was marketed explicitly for ladies, offering a safe, refined alternative to earlier hair-removal methods and marking a quiet but significant shift in social attitudes.
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The razor is housed in its original illustrated cardboard box, finished in a soft powder-blue tone and adorned with:
Romantic floral garlands of pink roses
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Elegant script typography
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A charming oval portrait of a woman in classical Edwardian pose
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The design is both feminine and refined, leaning towards Art Nouveau aesthetics, and wonderfully representative of its era.
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The Razor
Inside, the razor itself is a compact early Gillette safety razor, featuring:
A classic three-piece construction
A knurled metal handle for grip
Brass and nickel-plated components typical of early British Gillette production
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Smaller and more delicate than men’s razors of the time, it was intended for precision grooming, not heavy beard shaving.
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Size (Boxed)
Approx. 7 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm
Perfectly proportioned for a vanity drawer or display cabinet.
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Condition
Original box present and structurally intact
Printed decoration remains clear and legible
Age-related wear, softening, and patina throughout
Razor present with honest signs of age and use
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Please note: wear is entirely consistent with age and adds to the authenticity and charm of this piece.
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Why We Love It
This is far more than a grooming accessory — it is:
A social history artefact
A glimpse into early 20th-century femininity
A beautiful cabinet collectible
A conversation piece with genuine provenance
Examples with their original box are increasingly hard to find, making this a particularly desirable survivor.
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Perfect For
Collectors of early Gillette or shaving memorabilia
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Those interested in women’s history and fashion
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Display in a vintage bathroom, dressing room, or curiosity cabinet
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A unique and thoughtful gift for lovers of the unusual and authentic
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Please note: Display artefact only. Must not be used.