My heart skipped a beat when I found this brush, which is about as perfect a thing as I can imagine. I am pretty certain 19th century Shaker, and I think New England or New York state based on a few other Shaker brushes I have researched, though I have not seen another with only homespun fabric, rather than wood, for the handle like this--which, combined with these gloriously long black horsehair bristles, makes for just an incredibly beautiful form to my eye. It also allows for full exposure of the gorgeous, wide middle section of tightly woven bristles, which is I believe the signature of Shaker brushes.
The velvet-like finish to the rust-colored fabric is well worn, but it remains in great structural shape and I think all the more beautiful for the wear, with a ribbon on one side. The bristles are firmly attached and in excellent shape. (A few photos capture a loose thread caught in them, since removed.) 11 1/8" long x 2 1/4" wide x 5/8" thick.
