Fuller Brush Co. No. 5218 Vintage Horsehair Clothes/Crumb Brush
Fuller Brush Company · Vintage Items > Home Decor & Utility
Era / Decade
1940s-1950s (indicated by the script 'Fuller' logo and 'Made in U.S.A.' mark)
Material
Natural horsehair bristles set into a solid maple or beech wood handle with a lacquer finish.
Condition
Good. The wood handle shows some surface wear and minor finish loss. The bristles appear intact but dusty/dirty and may have slight thinning.
Demand Level
Niche. Popular with collectors of Americana and vintage household tools, as well as menswear enthusiasts who prefer natural bristles over plastic lint rollers.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$10.00 - $18.00 (low-mid-high range)
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $55.00 (comparable modern specialty horsehair brushes)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for similar Fuller wood-handled clothes brushes range from $8.00 plus shipping to $22.00 for those in near-mint condition or original boxes.
Description
Authentic vintage Fuller Brush Company clothes brush, model No. 5218. Features a smooth, ergonomically shaped solid wood handle and dense black natural horsehair bristles. Ideal for removing lint, dust, and hair from wool coats, suits, and upholstery without damaging delicate fabrics.
Key Features
Iconic American door-to-door brand; high-quality natural horsehair; vintage aesthetic; still functional for modern garment care; clear maker's mark.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Clearly stamped with the official Fuller Brush script logo and model number 5218. Construction style is consistent with mid-century production.
Flaws to Note
Scuffs on the wood handle; dust/debris trapped in the base of the bristles; slight 'old house' smell common with vintage horsehair; needs professional cleaning before use on fine fabrics.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay or Etsy are the best venues. E-commerce platforms with a focus on vintage 'utility-chic' or Americana perform better than local marketplaces for this specific item.
Selling Tips
Wash the bristles gently with a mild baby shampoo and air dry before listing. Use keywords like 'Menswear', 'Sartorial', 'Suit Brush', and 'Americana' in the title. Take close-up photos of the logo and the density of the bristles.