Ever-ready shaving brushes has been iconic in the shaving industry for more than a century, The Kampfe brothers introduced the Star Razor in 1875, the first safety razor made in the United States. Jerry Reichard, after working for the Kampfe Brothers for 23 years, leaves to start his own company - the Gem Cutlery Company in 1898. In 1903 Jerry Reichard leaves Gem to form yet another razor and blade producer, The Yankee Company, which is later renamed Ever-Ready in 1905. Gem & Ever-Ready merge in 1906. In 1915 Ever-Ready Shaving Brushes are first introduced. Gem & Ever-Ready merge with Star to become the American Safety Razor Corporation in 1919.
This brush has a boar knot that has seen a little use, but it is so little it has hardly been broken in. It is a 20 mm knot and there were no bristle breakages or loss when I cleaned it up, so this little porker knot will stay in its place and serve a new master. We suggest to hydrate a vintage knot a few times without using it. Bristles that are stiff and dry will break, so get your brushes wet as often as possible to keep them in a good state.
This model 150 puzzles me a bit, it has a black collar/insert I do not see on any other brushes, so it could be one of a series available for a very short time, on account of a previous owner's restoration efforts, or a knock-off, whatever it is, it is old and looks similar to the other models we have with the lettering on the bottom, and even has the same mould marks as the other brushes we have. Ever-ready brush numbering is notoriously 'deurmekaar' and some internet searches might deliver some interesting information.
This sir, will lather.