Brush ID Help!

So I was perusing a local antique store for the first time, not expecting to find anything shaving related, but wound up finding two razors and 3 brushes. The razors weren't anything special...although one claimed itself as "The Winner" which I thought was...hilarious, to say the least. Anyhow, I found this brush and really like it. The hair was in good shape and came to a nice point. After all, they were only asking $6. Good deal, even if I didn't get much use out of it. The most striking aspect of the brush is the coloring on the hair and the amazing moisture-retention ability. I soaked the brush in hot water to bring some life back to the hair (I'd also love some advice on other methods to rejuvenate the brush hair. Hot oil? Shampoo?) and let it dry. The silver tip of the brush is still damp two hours after squeezing/shaking out the brush. The handle is gaudy, but luckily unscrews, leaving the possibility of a new wooden handle.

In conclusion: What's the color patter on the hair indicate? What are some ways to restore old hair?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...h/IMG_0945.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...h/IMG_0947.jpg

-Derek

First of all, that's a nice find. Not my style personally, but very distinctive.

The color pattern and water absorption make me 99% sure it's a badger brush, and a good one.

As far as restoring the old bristles, you've got several options, but let me give you a big warning first:

Be VERY careful about soaking it in hot water. A soak in hot tap water should be just fine, but if the bristles were set with a natural glue, which is common in older brushes, leaving it for too long in very hot water can dissolve the glue and destroy the brush.

It sounds like you're already on the right track. Warm water soaks, some shampoo.

If it smells bad, like it belonged to a heavy smoker, I'd find a strongly scented shave soap that you like the smell of, and repeatedly lather with it, and leave sitting for a short period of time. (half an hour, maybe an hour, but not all night) Then wash it, dry it, and do it again until it doesn't stink.

Your other option, would be to replace the entire knot with a new one. You loose some of the old-school feel, but you'll have nice new bristles in a more modern shape if that's your preference.

I recently did this with a brush that smelled so bad it couldn't be fixed any other way.

Derek,

I would advise that you clean the brush with the shampoo/vinegar/conditioner or borax treatment. It does make a huge difference, I personally use shampoo compared to liquid detergent. Here's a good explanation on how to proceed.