Perhaps the stupidest thread yet, sorry

[Lt JL]

that old bristle brush

Before I logged on tonight I shined my boots with Kiwi Parade Gloss. Brushed them with my Grandfather's pure hog bristle brush. I am guessing that brush is close to 100 years old. And like yours, priceless. John

 

[gunsmith11]

I also have my fathers dog tags and the 48 star flag from his coffin, also a 9mm rimfire shotshell cane gun from my grandfather

 

[RobbW]

Sounds like they taught you well--honest work for a fair reward. The country needs more of that kind of teaching today. Great story and nice heirloom!!

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, nothing stupid about this. I have guns from both of my grandfathers (RIP) that I treasure, but for some reason the more ordinary items hold more appeal for me.

One is a mechanical wristwatch from 1940 or so that belonged to my Grandpa on Mom's side. As wristwatches go, it's nothing special--not worth a lot, and not especially accurate, either. But it was the watch Grandpa wore every day. I don't normally wear a watch, and I only use Grandpa's when I'm grilling--timing turns on steaks and whatnot--or for some special occasions. I also have his old Filson Cruiser, also a limited use item. And his old garden spade. That one gets more regular use.

I imagine Grandpa would find my reverence for his everyday things funny. He appreciated quality, but wasn't sentimental about material things. To him, it was "just stuff," and I suppose it is. But it was *his* stuff, and that's what makes it important to me. It's a token of love, really.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Glock 'em down]

First of all, this not stupid at all. I love threads like this. The trolls seem to stay away and there usually aren't any negative comments tossed about.

Secondly, be sure and use that brush often! The reason why? My dad gave me one similar to it and I failed to use it for many years, thinking I should "preserve" it or something. Well, a few months ago, I decided I needed to use it after many years of sitting in the closet. I pasted up my shoes, grabbed the brush, hit the leather a couple of buffs and damn near every hair fell out!

Just like everything else...if it sits idle, it will deteriorate. PLEASE don't let that happen to your wonderful momento and priceless heirloom.

 

[oldfella]

I own a brush like yours, it's 57 years old, in excellent condition - and a 1934 $20 bill, also in excellent condition... among other things.

Pete

 

[RufusG]

I still have the whole shoe shine kit my family used way back when. The brushes and old polish are put away in a box, and I use the little caddy that held them all on my workbench to hold a bunch on gun cleaning items and tools.

 

[don95sml]

In my family the men seem to have favored pocket watches. I have a couple that belonged to my father, and a couple from a grandfather. But the most cherished is a pocket watch with a pewter outer case owned by my great-grandfather, who served the Union in the Civil War. It actually still runs if I wind it a little using its windup key (although I don't do that often since it should really be cleaned and lubricated).