Thayer Chandler Model A - pretty dang new, in the box

DaveG

Airbush Analyst
I picked this one up for just about what postage cost- A Thayer Chandler Model A in the box, complete with original sales receipt :). Condition looked very good out of the box, with just some light scuffing caused by the protective tip cover. I have since buffed them out, although I photographed the brush prior to doing so.
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After removing it from the box, I could find no sign(s) of paint residue anywhere on, or in the brush. I believe they had trouble with the air valve on this brush, so it just remained boxed. I did need to replace the air valve stem, and seal to get them to operate smoothly, and at times there is still a slight hesitation when turning off air flow - which seems to be improving with use. The needle had a slight ding in the point, easy to fix, and the nozzle looks perfect. As compared to a Badger, who took over the name, the trigger action on this brush is sublime - although I did replace the air valve spring. The one that was in it, I am sure was not factory, as it was way to light, and the ends had been clipped.

Initially I felt like the spray pattern was a little ragged - A little disappointing, but as it cost just a few dollars to begin with, not a whole lot ;). I worked with it a bit more, and found that it actually does perform admirably. It has an adjustable regulator - what would be called the nozzle cap (or air cap) is very long, and finely threaded so you can adjust the amount of nozzle protrusion and air flow on the fly. Brilliant system, I am sorry it is not still incorporated into more recent brushes by anyone... It will pull a line easily that is just a tad smaller than a ball point pen , and produces a fine spray pattern with little stippling on the edges.

Sepia spray was done in just a few seconds while fooling around -
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That’s a cool looking piece of kit! I like the idea of the adjustable cap, that sounds like a clever design.


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Nice find Dave! Any idea of the vintage?
I am still working on researching that part. The store receipt seems to indicate that it was purchased in 1957, but I am not 100% sure on that. The store is still in operation, but moved to a new location in the mid 60's (there is a street address on the receipt) - again, maybe a little sketchy in the details. The person I purchased from is located very close to the original sale point, so I have sent a request for any info he may have, but have heard nothing back to far...
 
I am still working on researching that part. The store receipt seems to indicate that it was purchased in 1957, but I am not 100% sure on that. The store is still in operation, but moved to a new location in the mid 60's (there is a street address on the receipt) - again, maybe a little sketchy in the details. The person I purchased from is located very close to the original sale point, so I have sent a request for any info he may have, but have heard nothing back to far...
DaveG,
I think you found a good reason to buy a Thayer & Chandler AB! Funny thing is I guess Binks stole that idea too as the Raven has a similar set up with the adjustible spray nozzle. I'll be updating the Raven thread soon but works been too busy recently to get back to it. Now you really need to use it for your next pice and show off what it can really do!
 
DaveG,
I think you found a good reason to buy a Thayer & Chandler AB! Funny thing is I guess Binks stole that idea too as the Raven has a similar set up with the adjustible spray nozzle. I'll be updating the Raven thread soon but works been too busy recently to get back to it. Now you really need to use it for your next pice and show off what it can really do!
I actually picked up another one intended for parts - it was dirt cheap, and really roached when it arrived. It cleaned up very well, and actually works quite well, too. I don't think the plastic handle that came on it is original, so finished it off with a Sotar handle. It works much nicer than the Sotar anyway ;).
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@Jurien72, after some more research I can say that the first brush was indeed apparently purchased in 1957. I now have one that dates back to at least 1943, as well. I have a few of them now (all pre-date the 1970's), and have been fortunate that all of them have been in working condition. Needles have needed some work, but gratefully the nozzles have all been in good shape!
 
If you can positively identify the date of this brush as 1957, will you divulge the serial number? It would help me put a timeframe on some of mine that have no paperwork to speak of. Yours looks like its in the 60k serial range? I have a couple in that same range.
As always, your a wealth of info Dave...!!!
 
If you can positively identify the date of this brush as 1957, will you divulge the serial number? It would help me put a timeframe on some of mine that have no paperwork to speak of. Yours looks like its in the 60k serial range? I have a couple in that same range.
As always, your a wealth of info Dave...!!!
I'm not in my studio at the moment, but will check the serial number tomorrow. I have a dated sales receipt for the brush, which will only indicate the date it was sold. As inventory can sometimes sit, I would have to estimate that there could be a something like a 5 year window. There are some manufacturing clues that also help put them within maybe 5 or 10 years...

I should also mention, I don;t really think that the serial numbers mean much... there doesn't seem to be any discernible pattern that I can find past every few years.
 
@Jurien72, after some more research I can say that the first brush was indeed apparently purchased in 1957. I now have one that dates back to at least 1943, as well. I have a few of them now (all pre-date the 1970's), and have been fortunate that all of them have been in working condition. Needles have needed some work, but gratefully the nozzles have all been in good shape!
According to an inflation calculator, that receipt is equal to $320 in 2018 money, not something someone just generally would buy and try.
 
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