Possible Restoration Fodder

[zethreal]

I picked these two brushes up as part of a bulk purchase a while back and they've just been rolling around in a box until now. The one on the left says 'Rubberset' on the bottom and I'm assuming it's a horsehair as it's very dark & extremely stiff. The one on the right only says 'Bristled in Nylon' on the bottom. I can't see any other markings on either.

I'm trying to figure out which I like least ( and that will be the first one I work with ) to try and restore. I also know nothing about either of them & would like a bit of info on them if anyone knows who manufactured them, how old they are or anything like that...

 

[zethreal]

I actually did a small amount of research and the one on the left appears to be a WW2 issue shave brush. If the bristles weren't falling out & breaking, I'd almost want to keep it as-is. But I might reknot it with black badger to keep the overall appearance.
I found the info here: http://www.ima-usa.com/u-s-wwii-shaving-rubberset-brush-un-issued.html

I'm still clueless about the nylon one though...

 

[Gigster]

Interesting info on the Rubberset.

The other one looks like a Made Rite 150 or Rubberset 103. The handles are the same. The branding on the base is the only distinguishing mark.

 

[Snargle]

Both brushes would make nice restorations. My only concern is the one with the nylon bristles. Nylon is a royal #%$$%@ to remove with any kind of power tools. It has a very low melting point, so any heat generated by a drill bit/grinder/sander turns the bristles into nylon lava! For that reason, I try to avoid restoring handles with nylon bristles unless the handle is something super special.

 

[zethreal]

Both brushes would make nice restorations. My only concern is the one with the nylon bristles. Nylon is a royal #%$$%@ to remove with any kind of power tools. It has a very low melting point, so any heat generated by a drill bit/grinder/sander turns the bristles into nylon lava!

I had the same thought. I was thinking of using an x-acto knife or similar. Either that or take an old DE blade and break it a few times so it'd fit in & use my bent-nose pliers to scrape the bristles out.

 

[Snargle]

I had the same thought. I was thinking of using an x-acto knife or similar. Either that or take an old DE blade and break it a few times so it'd fit in & use my bent-nose pliers to scrape the bristles out.

I find a stout-bladed, sharp, lock-back pocket knife is fairly effective. Razor blades or X-acto knives are too fragile for the tough digging needed.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Those brushes are going to look even better once restored!