First restore and a question

[wheelhouse]

So I have been lurking here for a while and I think I have a pretty good handle on the process. I even steamed out the knot and did a little sanding on a VDH boar that I had kicking around just for practice. I found the brush below at a local antique shop today and think it will a perfect candidate for a restore. It has some writing on base, but nothing on the body of the handle. If you're looking at the base, it says STERILIZED curved around the top, and SET IN RUBBER straight. Below that there is a logo that I can't make out. At the bottom, wrapping around, it says MADE IN U.S.A. So my question in, any idea what it is? I know a lot of manufacturers made brushes with this general color scheme/shape. Hope someone can ID it for me. The lettering is really shallow, so I think sanding will end up taking it off, I'm going to be gentle but I don't think sanding will help bring the writing out at all.

View attachment 346628

 

[tomcj2]

Can you post a picture of the bottom? We may be able to compare to other brushes that are more legible.

 

[wheelhouse]

Can you post a picture of the bottom? We may be able to compare to other brushes that are more legible.

I'll try again, but I couldn't get a picture that showed any of the writing. The light needs to hit it just right and then you can still just barely make it out.

 

[Wulfster]

It looks like a Rubberset 504 (see http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350549-Help-Me-Pick-Which-Brush-to-Restore-For-First-Timer

 

[Snargle]

Could be a Rubberset. Could also be a Fuller. I had one that looked very similar. (Fullers were probably manufactured by Rubberset.)

Good luck with the restoration. Just one caution...DO NOT try to steam out the knot. These old brushes are made from Celluloid or Bakelite and the high temperatures are likely to damage or destroy the handle. Either try digging the knot out with screwdriver, pocket knife, or pliers; or drill it out.

 

[Snargle]

You could try rubbing the logo/label with a white crayon or dusting it with a white powder (talc, chalk, even flour) and see if enough of it sticks in the engraving to make the lettering visible.