The '1912 model' is a design type characterized by a spring-loaded cap with a tab at the rear for opening and a sort of semi-lather catcher frame. Rather that the year of manufacture, 1912 represents the year the design was patented. There are numerous variations, and they were made by Ever-ready, Star and GEM. In 1919 Gem, Kampfe Bros. (Star) and Ever-Ready all became part of American Safety Razor (ASR). During the 1920's variants of the 1912 were produced under all 3 brands. A low profile "squat head" version was introduced for use in slim travel sets.
In 1930 ASR re-introduced the 1912 under the Ever-Ready label as the Improved Ever-Ready Razor, manufactured in both their US and British facilities, this is a fairly scarce model that was made in England and also has an aluminium handle, these razors were normally quite heavy for their size, and this is one of the lightest I have handled to date. the razor weighs 30 grams and stands 91 mm tall.
GEM, Ever ready, Star and Radio razors all have an 'intertwined history', and getting to grips with how the whole puzzle fits together takes some time, luckily, taking the razor for a spin is as easy as tilting the head forward, flipping the cap forward, lowering the blade onto the notches on the sides of the safety bar, clipping the cap back into place and closing your eyes while you shave to avoid the hair flying all over the place and blinding you temporarily. Here is a nice write up from one user of this cool stubble slaying instrument. In this video PaulH gives one a go, as with many razors from this era this shape of razor gives exceptional feedback, and the man himself goes a bit 'overboard' on a few spots. I love the look of this razor and the patterns on the handle certainly makes it very distinguishable from all other razors, this a classic piece of history that is easy to own, use and enjoy
There is an additional feature of these type of razors that works for me and that is their ability to angle the blade while shaving. If you are a straight razor user you might go in at a shallower angle on the first pass, and tilt the razor more towards 30 degrees on the second pass for a closer shave, similarly I do my fist pass with the razor's shovelhead almost flat against my skin, and if I want the shave to be closer I'll angle it away a bit on a second pass, I love this as I am mostly a single pass guy with a quick sweep around the face to round up the 'last stubble standing'
The razor is in very good shape and the finish is some of the best I have seen on any model, the 'Made in England' case in good condition also adds value in terms of collector value.
Consider applying a bit of 'Locktite' or similar to the thread of the handle where it screws into the head as the two parts do not need to be taken apart like many other razors for cleaning and maintenance, the less the thread is used, the better shape it will remain in.