Thread: Brush collectors

Any knowledgeable brush collectors out there I just acquired 4 vintage brush's that are unused I would like to see if they have a value or not. Thanks in advance for any help.

Those all look like boar hair to me. Makes them less desirable for most users, not sure about collectors.

the hair on the one is completely different almost looks a feels like Badger

Hmm, it looks mightily like dyed boar hair in the picture.

Originally Posted by ernestrome

Hmm, it looks mightily like dyed boar hair in the picture.

What about the second from the right

This is the one i am thinking of as well. Did you pay much for them?

Originally Posted by ernestrome

This is the one i am thinking of as well. Did you pay much for them?

Nothing They were in a lot I bought and already made my money back on 2 DE and more to sell out of the lot.

These look like the brushes used to brush talc powder after a shave or haircut by the barber. Maybe it's just the picture that makes them look taller than a shaving brush.

Lynn

First off, yes these are "lather" brushes as they were labeled in old barber catalogs. They tended to be longer and narrower than the shaving brushes we are used to today.

According to Chris Jones' barber shop collector's book, old shaving brush values can range from $5.00 to $10.00 for synthetic handle styles, and $25.00+ for pre-1900 natural handled models. Carved ivory, silver, pearl, or stag could be valued higher. Value is also determined by amount of remaining bristles, which in this case would be complete.

Mr. Jones' book is from 1999, so values may have increased somewhat. But this should give you a starting point.

Your brushes are most likely post-1900.

Also, the bristles on these look like what was called "french bristles" in the old catalogs. Exactly what "french bristles" is, I do not know. The preferred bristle then, as today, was badger. (Edit: did a little web research and best I can tell, "french" bristle is a certain grade of boar bristle.)


Scott

Originally Posted by adjustme69

These look like the brushes used to brush talc powder after a shave or haircut by the barber. Maybe it's just the picture that makes them look taller than a shaving brush.

Lynn

They are shaving brush size