To clean or not to clean?

[Piff]

I found this somewhat sad-for-itself shaving brush at an estate sale today. I've been hanging out on the B&B boards for a couple of months now and think I might have a bit of that SBAD going around. Guess that's what i get for not using protection. It is a bone and yellow (butterscotch maybe?) colored Lord Chesterfield 595 badger hair brush. The thing is covered in loose hairs and the hair seems quite dry. I've been wondering all day if I should get a new knot for it or just keep it original as a conversation piece. Then I found the “recondition” thread. So then I thought, hey, maybe a simple cleaning couldn't hurt at least to try first. The wife and I are fans of recycling and reusing where we can, so this is a logical first step.

But, before I do anything to it, is there any inherent value in this as a vintage, unmolested item? I also don't know a darn thing about Lord Chesterfield, so if anyone wants to share some details on this company, that would be appreciated.

Anyway, here are a few pics...

Regards.

 

[DavyRay]

Dat's a cool brush.
I'd put a new knot in it.
Stay with the "pure badger", as that's original.

What say the rest of you?