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Post by HoosierTrooper on Oct 13, 2013 11:04:24 GMT -6
I picked up this old HELDTITE around three years ago in a box of stuff at a flea market, the patent number on it was issued to Charles Thompson in 1915 for a "new, original and ornamental Design for a Handle for Shaving-Brushes". Someone cut the bristles off for some reason. I debated about whether or not to restore this old brush and finally decided to give it a go. I forgot to take any pictures before I started the project but I had one from back when I found it along with the Ever-Ready 300. The metal ferrule was loose, I think maybe it was originally just held in place by friction. A couple tugs with a pair of pliers and the old knot came out in three pieces, it was glued around the post that you can see in this picture. I ground down the post with a Dremel and filled the bottom of the ferrule with DAP RTV silicone adhesive which, after it dried, holds the handle tightly in place against the ferrule. I sanded off the old finish and repainted it with three coats of black paint, and fitted it with a 16mm TGN finest badger.I tried an 18mm but it was too big for this little handle, the 16mm provides a nice balance to the handle.I really didn't do much to the ferrule, other than a little polishing which didn't really seem to change it much. Here's the finished brush.
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Post by drumzalot on Oct 13, 2013 11:28:53 GMT -6
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Post by Alan on Oct 13, 2013 11:45:16 GMT -6
Great job Tom, it's coming up on 100 years old, and still being used. Thanks for the research Joe, that sure looks like Tom's brush.
As I've said before, they don't make them like they used to.
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norfolkdick
Master Shaver
Captain of the Razor Blades
Posts: 1,601
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Post by norfolkdick on Oct 13, 2013 12:43:42 GMT -6
Greetings
What a quirky old brush, and so different, so much so they granted a patent on the handle! really interesting and a lovely old restore, well done Tom a little piece of history brought back to life!
Regards Dick.
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Post by HoosierTrooper on Oct 13, 2013 13:11:42 GMT -6
Thanks! Yeah, Joe I looked up the patent number back when I first got it, and really didn't find much else about the company, other than being mentioned in some documents concerning tariffs on the import of bristles. I don't believe they were in business real long because their brushes are pretty rarely seen. I did see one just like this awhile back on eBay or Etsy, I can't remember which, when I was researching it.
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Post by drumzalot on Oct 13, 2013 15:38:41 GMT -6
I wish I could provide you with more information regarding the brush but this is the only piece of information I can find (unless another forum member could add more info). The only logical conclusion to the lack of information on this brush is the brand's short life.
Due to the rarity & uniqueness of the brush it is worth restoring. I am a sucker for odd or rare shaving gear. It's hard to comprehend why the original knot was massacred. You have done a pretty good job on restoring the brush!
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Post by wchnu on Oct 13, 2013 18:25:04 GMT -6
Great looking unique brush.
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Post by HoosierTrooper on Oct 14, 2013 6:13:07 GMT -6
I used the little old guy this morning for the first time. The handle is actually pretty comfortable to use, but it really feels different than any other brush I've ever used.Even though I tried to thoroughly seal up the wood with the silicone adhesive I probably won't use this one too often, I'd hate for the old wood to start rotting.It will primarily be a display model.
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papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on Oct 15, 2013 8:17:08 GMT -6
Very nice restoration. The handle is quite unique.
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ShadowsDad
Gem Star
None boring shaver!!
"It's not the bow, it's the Indian"
Posts: 4,534
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Post by ShadowsDad on Oct 15, 2013 21:43:31 GMT -6
Definitely different! Another interesting brush.
Nice restore BTW!
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