Help please! Brush historians?

[Legion]

A couple of weeks ago I scored this neat old Simpsons brush. I posted it in the butterscotch and score threads with a shout out for any info but sadly, this was not to be. Maybe one more try.

The listing said it was from the 40's or 50's but the only picture I can find of a Simpson that looks remotely similar is this one from the 1936 brochure. Could it be that old?

It says Best Badger above the Simpsons label and Yorkminster on the other side. All the pictures of vintage Simpsons I can find on the net have the traditional round handle much like they have today.

Are there any brush historians out there who can give me any information on this brush? I've never seen one like it.

 

[kooshman7]

Is that the original knot in the brush? If it is it's in nice condition! Very nice picture from the catalog as well!

I'm no historian at all, but I seemed to remember Simpson used to be in Yorkminster for a time but I don't remember where I read it.

At the very least I think that photo represents the brush for sure. I think the seller was mistaken on the time it was made. But that's just my layman's opinion.

 

[fidjit]

Another "non-professional" opinion.

Given it looks like it's made of a combination of catalin and bakelite, 1930/40s wouldn't be inconceivable............

 

[Ski-Patroller]

The brush in the brochure looks like it has a wood handle.

 

[beginish]

This is the third vintage Simpson I have seen that doesn't correspond with the current line up. In addition to this one, I saw "62" offered as a BIN. I also just lost out last weekend on a boxed "S9", which was also store branded. That one looked like a dead ringer for a "59". Try as I might, I couldn't find anything on them. Unlike some manufacturers, Simpson actually seems responsive to user inquiries. It may be worth contacting them directly, or contact a vendor you buy from frequently who also carries Simpsons and see if they'll ask for you.

 

[Legion]

This is the third vintage Simpson I have seen that doesn't correspond with the current line up. In addition to this one, I saw "62" offered as a BIN. I also just lost out last weekend on a boxed "S9", which was also store branded. That one looked like a dead ringer for a "59". Try as I might, I couldn't find anything on them. Unlike some manufacturers, Simpson actually seems responsive to user inquiries. It may be worth contacting them directly, or contact a vendor you buy from frequently who also carries Simpsons and see if they'll ask for you.

That's a good idea. Does anybody have an email for Simpsons that I can use? I can't even find their website!

 

[kooshman7]

[email protected] is what I use.

 

[Legion]

Well, I got in touch with them and they very promptly got back to me. Apparently none of the current staff in the factory recognise my model (which is not surprising, I guess, unless they were in their nineties). So I am still no closer to the truth.

They were helpful offering me a new decal so I could replace the scuffed one that is on there at the moment, so that was nice.

Oh, and yes Kooshman7, I'm pretty sure that is the original knot. This brush looks almost new except for the damaged decal and I think that might have happened as it knocked around in a draw for 70 odd years.

 

[Unknownsoldier]

Very nice brush Sorry I can't help with the age, but the general concensus of 1930s 40s sits with me, there is a way testing if it is bakelite and not a later plastic, but it is destructive and so I don't recommend it.

Bakelite was a wonder material and was used for lots of things, so it is likely to be 30s/40s if it is bakelite.

Tom

 

[kooshman7]

That is in very nice looking condition for the years! I would be so tempted to use that brush as is. What plans do you have for it? Keep it as it is for display, use it as it is, reknot it or some other plans? Too bad it can't be ID'ed by anyone of the staff.

 

[Legion]

I'm thinking since it is in such good original shape i'll probably keep it that way and have it only for display. Apart from the decal It really doesn't need much restoration and it is turning out to be quite rare. I'll just keep it as a collectors piece.

 

[kooshman7]

Definitely understandable. I probably would do the same, but oh it would be so tempting to use it... Least I don't have to worry about that!