Where Do You Find Your Brushes For Restorations?

[AndroiDad75]

Everyone,

I am interested in doing a few restorations. I got a pretty nice ever-ready 200T in an Old Spice mug, but haven't found much around my area for older style brushes. Unless I want to get ones that are all cracked and crumbling, and then the antique store is still asking for $15 - $20 per brush, which seems a bit crazy to me for something that can't even be restored (or at least I am not sure I can restore a cracked/crumbling brush).

So do most of the people here who are doing restores, get their brushes from the bay? A little guidance would be welcome!!

Thanks!!

 

[mattdenicola]

Flea-markets/antique stores can be great, but as you mentioned, they can be VERY hit or miss. Don't feel shy to haggle with them, worst they say is "no".

eBay is indeed a great resource for finding brush handles. It takes a bit of time to sort through the searches, but the variety is hard to beat.

 

[blzrfn]

ebay is a good source, but know what you want before going shopping because there is a lot of not-so-good brushes to sift through and many that are comparatively overpriced. If you find one that you like make sure to look closely at the pictures for any signs of wear, cracks, scratches, chips, etc. Many of the plastic brushes, such as those that have been beautifully restored in this forum, can be had for $5 + shipping with patience (pre-restored condition obviously).

 

[AndroiDad75]

I'll keep looking at my local shops.

I guess I have to keep reading because I am not sure what the garbage is, o try and do the eBay thing.

I know that by looking last night, I didn't see much of anything around $5, much less $5 shipped. I will keep my eyes out.

Thanks

 

[mattdenicola]

I know that by looking last night, I didn't see much of anything around $5, much less $5 shipped. I will keep my eyes out.

Thanks

Yeah, looking once or twice at eBay would be discouraging. You have to remember you are just getting a snapshot of what's ultimately going to be available. I would suggest using the "saved search" function, which allows you to set search parameters, and have eBay notify you when something comes up. For instance, you can search for "_____ shave brush", then refine the search for a price under $10, in the USA, and only have it notify you if it meets these criteria with 2 hours left. Setting the timing helps avoid all the new listings that get posted at $0.99, but will eventually go for much more. I think once you get the saved searches down you will use them a lot.

 

[AndroiDad75]

Hey that's a great tip. I really appreciate that. I have never used eBay much, so things like that is invaluable to me.

Thanks!!!

 

[JaxJim]

Yeah, looking once or twice at eBay would be discouraging. You have to remember you are just getting a snapshot of what's ultimately going to be available. I would suggest using the "saved search" function, which allows you to set search parameters, and have eBay notify you when something comes up. For instance, you can search for "_____ shave brush", then refine the search for a price under $10, in the USA, and only have it notify you if it meets these criteria with 2 hours left. Setting the timing helps avoid all the new listings that get posted at $0.99, but will eventually go for much more. I think once you get the saved searches down you will use them a lot.

This is good advice. I'd add not overlooking Buy It Now (BIN) listings using a general search term such as "vintage shaving"-- many times you'll see brushes included in lots that can be had at pretty good prices. Of course, this often means acquiring other stuff that's included that you may not want (which is how I came to be the not-so-proud owner of three manual hair clippers that I need to get rid of!), but you can always ask the seller to send you only the items you want. Good luck!

 

[FL shaver]

Just picked up two handles and a flare tip in a lot on eBay today. The flare tip is cased, though one of the hinges is broken. Cost less than $16, so for a little over $5 an item, I think I did OK! I haven't restored either of these, and I'm looking forward to the Century!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gil...2F93dPZ1UTYCSkP%2BlZA%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
Still plenty of deals to be had on the 'Bay.

 

[AndroiDad75]

Just picked up two handles and a flare tip in a lot on eBay today. The flare tip is cased, though one of the hinges is broken. Cost less than $16, so for a little over $5 an item, I think I did OK! I haven't restored either of these, and I'm looking forward to the Century!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gillette-Safety-Razor-w-Case-Two-Shaving-Brushes-Razor-Blades-/261215806012?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=aBtLTLA0Q%252F93dPZ1UTYCSkP%252BlZA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
Still plenty of deals to be had on the 'Bay.

Wow that was a really nice pick up. I have got to learn how to search better I think. I have bid on a couple of razor, etc... over the past couple of weeks, and right at the end it always goes nuts and I am nowhere in the vicinity any longer. You got a nice score there.

Up until now, I have never really used eBay much. I guess I am going to have to become better at it.

I will take any search strings that you may use when looking for stuff.

For instance, I have tried: Vintage Gillette, Vintage Gillette Safety Razor, Safety Razor Lot, Vintage Brush, Vintage Brush Lot.

Are those too generic? Do I need to get more specific?

Any advice you have will be really appreciated. Thanks everyone!!!

 

[FL shaver]

Misspell Gillette for some surprising results!

 

[mattdenicola]

Misspell Gillette for some surprising results!

+1million. You have no idea the deals I have found on eBay by purposely searching for slight mis-spellings. It's a perfect scenario, because not only are most other people not looking at the listing, but the person who is selling usually doesn't really know what they have on their hands (or they probably would have spelled it right!). The combo creates for prices that can be downright silly-low.