Well it was new. Till it was used. Lol Maybe it should say new'ish. But then it's loosing hairs, a few at a time. Just how many times. Maybe new'ish shouldn't apply. And for that kinda do-ray-me, really if you buy it, it'll be new to you.
USED. The criteria for "New" states..."brand-new"...not used or tested by anyone but the brand/maker, "Unopened"...ummmm, unopened lol, "Undamaged"...the ebay seller states that there IS damage both in the lettering and the fact that its losing hair, "Unused"....ummmm, he says he used it lol. All said, I can see where the lettering could have been rubbed off in 50 years of handling even inside the container, but the abrasion on the bottom and inside the groove tell us its been handled a lot, OUTSIDE the package, and admittedly USED for its intended purpose even IF it was just once. It sure looks to me like its been used more than that, but in giving him the benefit of the doubt that hes telling you the truth, its been OUT OF THE BOX, HANDLED a LOT and the rubber band prb used to surround the bristles removed, HIS "use" caused it damage/hair loss. To me, by reading the detailed definition on item condition in his listing, the item is USED.
Seller suggested it was perhaps a display item. And he test lathered due to age of brush. Okay. Fair enough. So, new, sorta, but test lathered, and maybe a display brush in a shop.
The price should reflect that, used brushes should be reduced significantly, especially for that price. Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Agree with @Keithmax - but we should keep in mind that a badger was using the hair before it became a brush!
While I feel the seller is trying to give as accurate a description of the brush as possible and not trying to be deceitful. It is definitely used and well used at that IMO. I have questions: How does being 50 years old wear down the writing on the brush and scratch up the bottom if it was unused? What does he being French have to do with anything concerning the brush? How does he know it was purchased in France? Is he the original owner of the brush? Why is it being sold in Hong Kong? I wouldn't buy it as either New or NOS and I wouldn't pay that much money for it, 289.00 and I still have to pay $15.00 shipping I'd pass, but that's just me.
Good question! However many items are 'factory tested' before going on the market. High class ones are tested each and very one, otherwise they can be randomly tested. But he's not a producer... From one point of view it may be serious of him to test its efficiency after 5 decades. And he didn't rub it on his face... I'd be prone to look at it as 'Tested', however i understand your point of view: buying something that is not a typical dime store article involves more accuracy! May I plead the Fifth?
This gives me an idea.....if that shampoo that said "New Since 1937" ever came back, I'm sending one to him(course buying some for muhself, too!). The ide was to try to blend vintage with modern.