What are most old Ever Ready, etc brush handles made of?

[nsl]

I ask because I see a lot of differant ones being restored on here, however, the ones I find in shops usually a cracked and beyond repair. Sad thing is, they still want $4 and up for these rotten things.

 

[azrichter]

So far I've encountered a molded thermoplastic, like a polystyrene, and Bakelite. But I've not seen a lot of these handles.

 

[GDCarrington]

Some of the earlier ones are made of an inexpensive ceramic. I have one which would have been a joy to restore if it were not severely cracked.

 

[eyesofgrey]

Celluloid, Bakelite, and plastic.

 

[Legion]

I've had ones made of something different to plastic and Bakelite. It is almost a ceramic, because it chipped when I dropped one, but I was able to use a sanding drum to remove the damage. I honestly don't know what the material is. The picture is of one that I had to sand the lip down because of some damage.

I think a lot of them may be cracked because they are filled with plaster, and the sealing has failed, allowing the plaster to get wet and swell.

 

[gearchow]

I've had ones made of something different to plastic and Bakelite. It is almost a ceramic, because it chipped when I dropped one, but I was able to use a sanding drum to remove the damage. I honestly don't know what the material is. The picture is of one that I had to sand the lip down because of some damage.

I think a lot of them may be cracked because they are filled with plaster, and the sealing has failed, allowing the plaster to get wet and swell.

I was twisting a knot out once and the darn thing disintegrated in my hand - plaster everywhere. I got a few of the ones like yours, they have beautiful celluloid bottom "caps".

-jim