Something you don't see every day, a London shaving brush makers toolkit from the 1940s.

This comprehensive kit belonged to brush maker Mr A Krausser of AKA BRUSHES, Harrow Road, London NW10.  The letter head states 'Manufacture of Shaving Brushes a Speciality'.

The chest and its bank of six drawers contains a large variety of brush making equipment, materials and finished products including:

bristles, knots, brush bases and handles, labels stating 'Sterilised Free From Anthrax British Made';

a quantity of combs;

various tools, more than 30 of the brass 'canon' cups used when making the knots;

glue pot and pourers.

There are also parts of artist or makeup brushes, a quantity of metal stamps and the owner's Union contribution card dated 1942.

Also, shown to the left of the main picture, are two grooved wooden sorting boards with three sticks, used to align the hair and bristles before tying the brush knots.

We understand that hand made shaving brushes and their making has quite a following and hope that this toolkit adds to your appreciation and understanding of this traditional heritage craft.

Enjoy the photos.

Robert Leach

OLD HAND TOOLS