Cracked butterscotch

[rexcarolus]

Hello everyone,

In the case of a collectible vintage butterscotch catalin-handled brush, how does our hobby feel about cracks? Is this the kiss of death or not that serious? What impact do vertical and transverse cracks have on the value of an otherwise fine brush? I wish this was purely hypothetical, however I have encountered a situation where I purchased a brush of this type with cracks that were known to the seller but left unmentioned. Please share your thoughts on this topic! Thank you, B&B!

 

[Mick]

Welcome to B&B

Can you post photos? More details.

Does not sound like a good experience if the known condition was kept from you before you purchased it

If you have not already done so, stop into the Hall of Fame and tell everyone a little about yourself

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/30-Hall-of-Fame

 

[rexcarolus]

Thanks for the welcome, Turtle. Please see attached pics.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Those are pretty minor cracks, but should have been disclosed. How much they would impact the value really depends on the brush. If it's a Vintage rooney with the original knot in great condition it's another story than if it is something like an Erskine that has been reknotted. Really you should just decide if the brush is still worth what you paid for it to you. If not, ask to return it based on the damage that wasn't disclosed. If so, then just keep it and avoid that seller in the future.

 

[rexcarolus]

Thanks, Ian. The brush falls to the Rooney end of the collectibility scale. I bought it on eBay from a B&B member who chose not to disclose the cracks (as per his message) and said the price was fair regardless based info/appraisal he has obtained here. I paid absolute top dollar for this in reportedly "great" condition with the idea of having it reknotted. I can't justify that investment in a cracked handle, even if I had gotten it for a low price.

 

[whavens]

I would worry about trying to drill with the crack around the mouth like it is. If he responded the way you said he did, I would think Ebay would side with you regarding a dispute.

 

[blzrfn]

I would say that you need to decide whether or not you want to keep it. If you feel you overpaid eBay will judge in your favor guaranteed, but you will need to return the brush to get a refund and you will most likely be stuck with the return shipping charges. I have a restored Rooney I bought from a member here that also arrived in worse condition than represented, but I got what I felt was a fair deal and just gave the seller the benefit of the doubt. My brush had worse cracks than that and a very small chip at the base with a newer TGN finest band and I paid $45 if that is of any service to you.

 

[WVUfanMG]

I was taken to task for asking the value of two items earlier today, and was told that B&B is not an appraisal site. Just a heads up, but your thread has lasted longer than mine did.

 

[blzrfn]

One more thing to add, my brush with worse cracks than yours has not had any further issues after using it normally for a couple shaves. Even soaking the knot up past the handle in hot tap water didn't cause any unwanted effects. It appears the cracks on my brush are filled with clear epoxy from the inside.

 

[rexcarolus]

Thanks for the helpful replies. I have successfully stabilized cracked catalin with krazy glue in the past. Seems to be working fine on an older, British-made Crabtree and Evelyn into which I put an TGN Finest XH.

The brush in this thread has gone back to the seller.

One more thing to add, my brush with worse cracks than yours has not had any further issues after using it normally for a couple shaves. Even soaking the knot up past the handle in hot tap water didn't cause any unwanted effects. It appears the cracks on my brush are filled with clear epoxy from the inside.