Thread: A couple of C-Mon Brushes reborn

No threads here for 3 months? Let's get some brushes going, guys!

Paid a premium for a couple of NOS C-Mon boar Brushes a few years ago, sold from Ellicotteville, NY in the 40's/50's when the partnership of Burrell and Monkhouse was in full-swing. I suspect these were produced by Rubberset for obvious reasons and the boxes proclaim they were distributed from Ellicotteville by the infamous Peter J. Michaels who seems to be an enigma. (Personally, I think Mr Monkhouse WAS PJM? A theory!)

Anyhoo, the original shellac/lacquer finish was peeling from the handles and I set about sanding it off in order to put some new clear on.



A thought came to mind that I could do something custom with them. Nothing wrong with a good boar knot, but badger seems to be the way most like them, so measured the top bakelite barrels and ordered-up some 22mm 2-band 'Mag-Knots' from Maggards. A few bucks more than from China and a hell of a lot faster to receive. Nice knots!..



Taped-up the bristles and clamped them in a vise far away from the barrels. (have broken one before clamping too close!)
The Holy hacksaw dispatched the top and a Forstner bit, 3/4, slowly ate through the bottom leaving the outer ring which was gently removed with a dremel-drum.. These bakelite tops are fragile, I tell ya!




Now to dig a bit deeper as there is never enough to properly set a badger knot in these old handles, IMO.
Back to the Forstner bit and about 3/16 deeper, making certain to leave enough material at the transition.

Dremel-drum that outward and smooth things out. Enough room now for some adjustability to set the knots like I want to and still have room for adhesive Goop at the bottom.



I never buy paint unless I have to...Some red laquer and black engine enamel off the shelf.
Some pinstripe tape at the transition and taped to some PCV for handling purposes. About 6 coats with fine steel-wool in between. Lots of drying time afterwards.



Finally, about 3 coats of some clear wheel-coating off the shelf and more drying-time, Found some nice square-cut o-rings for the handle transition for looks and to keep pesky lather out. Ready to set the knots.



Smear some Goop in the bottom and a healthy dollop on top of the plug and up/in. Get them where I want them.
Hang up for a few days. (Lazy AND Patient. That's ME!)


Turned-up fine with me. One-of-a kind brushes!

One more pic!

That was slick Tom. My only question is, which one is mine?

Nice work, Tom. Love the red one!

Thanks for the tutorial Tom! they turned out great! Reminds me that i have a couple Maggard knots I need to make handles for. One of these days.

Beautiful job on those brushes Tom.
The finish pops and they look show room new!

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Beautiful job on those brushes Tom.
The finish pops and they look show room new!

Thanks, Mike. TBH, I suppose they ARE pretty-much new!