NOTE: This is NOT a POLITICAL thread it is for information ONLY Ok, as a nice Jewish boy who collects shaving gear I was mildly amused Swastika brush for sale on Ebay. Then I was confused because it was made in USA and looks to be made well before World War 2. I know before that war the swastika was considered a good luck symbol and now is regarded the complete opposite. My main question is can anyone identify the maker of this brush.
Taboo aside, that's a pretty neat relic. I'm willing to bet it's pre-1930s (big stretch there) and the manufacturer was a hipster of the times.
Jim I found this on B&B forum. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/152194-Swastika-Shaving-Brushes it was a post from 2010.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/45th_Infantry_Division_(United_States) Before the 1930s it was in the insignia of the USAs 45th Infantry Division.
NOTE: NOT SAYING THE FOLLOWING HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT BRUSH THIS POST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. During the 30's Nazism was very popular in the US, especially among business leaders. Until Pearl Harbor, the US was politically being steered towards an alliance with Germany. As such, there are/were specifically Nazi Swastikas popping up a lot in the US during that time. There used to be a local department store in Portland called Meier & Frank. It was a high end store. Meier & Frank built their giant, 15 story department store in downtown Portland. In the early 30's the owners joined the American Nazi Party and put a new facade on their building, covering it with swastikas. They remain there today, and the building now houses a Macy's. Most people in Portland don't notice it unless it's pointed out to them. This kind of thing is everywhere in the US. Always look at scroll and design work and you'll be surprised what you find some times.
Several of the buildings in downtown Thermopolis, Wy also have swastikas built into their architecture from the early 1900's. The current business owners had a plaque put up explaining the symbols and their historical significance before WWII. It was also interesting that on the buildings the swastikas rotated both directions which in my opinion negates the idea that one way means one thing and the other way is pure evil. If I had to guess this brush wasn't intended for Nazi's (pronounced with my best Brad Pitt impression) but will definitely raise some eyebrows if left on display in your home. That said if we can locate more accurate information on the history of this brush I would love to read about it.
that's what it looked like. the original symbol was sanscit, asymbol for auspicious ness, and included dots.but I had to look that up also. I read something about it being related to the cross, then I lost interest. it seemed far fetched.
The Nazi swastika was definitely tilted at a angle. So i would assume this had nothing to do with the Nazi party.
