Received this vintage travel brush in the mail. It set me back about $8 which I think is ok as it looks really neat to me. These can often be found on the cheap, cheaper than what I did, in shaving kits, etc from way back when. Mine doesn't have a fancy brand name on it and odds are that it's a rather generic brush that would had been affordable even when it was made. The <E> sign on the bottom is, I believe, after reading the comments from @GDCarrington, a stamp used in the (1940's?) to identify the item as not using war-machine critical material, Maybe "Economy"? A pic: And, if you're super curious about how one of these things work, here's even a video of me fiddling with it: Tapatalk video link I'll shine it up as best as I can and see what can be done about taking the knot out and replacing it with something. The challenge, apart from getting the old knot out..., will be to find a knot that size... Any suggestions greatly appreciated If YOU got a vintage travel brush - do share your pic(s)!
Good. Go gently in drilling that knot out. A synthetic may be a great user replacement and boar if you can find a thin not flareing knot would also be ideal.
I was hoping I could just yank it out real hard That'd be in line with my restoration skills I think I can find a 16mm boat knot. Dumb restore question #1: how do I know what size knot I need?
Dremel and gentle drilling and reaming is the most likely method. Measure the diameter of the hole to determine knot size and you will need to measure the depth of the hole for this one and find out how thick is the base plug.
There's a bunch at the bottom of my brush sticky post. http://www.blankity-blanks.com/brushes.htm These guys sell a 14mm badger knot, also an 18mm knot. Chances are, a 14mm will work for this brush. Or it could be widened to accept an 18mm. Http://www.thegoldennib.com has 18mm knots too. If you really want boar, buy an Omega (*gasp* I didn't recommend Semogue!) in the size you need and ditch the handle. I recommended Omega because they don't splay like the Semogue's, an important consideration in a travel brush.
TGN does have a 16 mm in Finest. That might have less flare than a Silvertip of the same size would. http://thegoldennib.com/wet-shaving/badger-hair-knots/finest-badger-knots/16-finest-badger.html
http://thegoldennib.com/wet-shaving/badger-hair-knots/boar-knots/16mm-boar.html or wait for this to be back in stock
Thanks, once I've forced gently removed the old knot I'll measure the hole and see what size it would take. A small badger would be pretty neat.
Yes. 16 mm might be easy to make minor adjustments than going to 18 mm. Finest tend to be a real solid all around performer.
U think it won't fit at all or will be to tight and be difficult to get our? It could be good that it's "tight" it will keep the flair under control
When you pull the sleeve the hairs could catch and tangle and that could cause the knot to get messed up. Especially with the firmer bristles.
You are the brush guy =P If one trimmed the sides of the brush it would keep the backbone but make the flare smaller
With the less than stellar quality of the knot base you will more than likely end up with a bunch of hairs and a shattered knot. I am seeing now it in my minds eye ...
OR...one can do what I did....forget you threw out a low-ball-offer on another vintage brush with what seems to be a knot in usable condition....and just use that.... At least I hope that this knot can be cleaned and used... "Cased" should mean that the inner is boar and outer is badger? About Palmer: Founded around 1912 and were bought by BBM in the 60's. Hence, this one should be from "sometime between those years"
This might be horse hair. No split ends like boar and looks to thick for badger, but you will know when you receive it.
