48-49 Superspeed

I saw this Superspeed on eBay, and the description of it was only:

Vintage GILLETTE "SUPER SPEED" Nickle Plated Safety Razor w Red Plastic Case 

It was a 40s style Superspeed that was really dirty, but that is all I could tell form the pictures and the description. I took a chance on it and got it for $15.99 with free shipping. 

Here is what it looked like when I received it.  The underside was all soaped up and there was an O3 Gillette Super Stainless blade still in it. I cleaned up the bottom and there was no date code and there was the hook on the center bar, so that means it was made in 1948-49.

Before cleaning.

When opening the doors, the knob dropped down. That is an easy fix. I just tightened the crimp and now all is well. Doors open and close smoothly.

The razor cleaned up pretty well. Here are pictures of the razor after cleaning.