Featured Gutta-Percha Hair Brush; or Is It Hard Rubber? How Old?

And while I'm askin' would the (natural) bristles be hog-hair, or?

It's 7" long, the head is ~3 1/2" X ~2", the grip is ~3 1/2" X ~1" X ~1/2". weight is 2 3/4 oz.

There is a full lateral seam (#6); I can't find any maker's mark or other markings.

The pattern (what is that flower & foliage?) may help identify who & when...if I'm lucky. Thanks for lookin'!

 

I think the material isn’t gutta percha but what we call “bois durci” in France.
It is made from rosewood dust mixed with ox blood and pressed and heated in molds.
https://www.meubliz.com/definition/bois-durci/
The bristles being white are indeed hog hair

 

Very helpful, Kyra! Thank you! I've read the link, and found it intriguing...I had not known of bois durci before your post.

 

That plant is deranged. Chrysanthemum leaves, but from a woody stem, with berry clusters and tendrils? It looks like a mash up with a grape vine.

 

Very nice and in such good condition. bois durci is a new one on me.

 

Same, thanks, Kyra!

 

Just an aside about bois durci:
I googled 'test for gutta percha'...one of the results suggested touching GP with your (dry?) tongue...as the result, if positive, will be extreme saltiness!
So I did (my tongue was wet, I confess)...nary a hint of salt, or much of any other taste sensation. For whatever it's worth...

 

u can clean the bristles with baby shampoo....before licking it anymore !

 

Gee...Thanks, komo...it would have never occurred to me!

 

You are like me... taste for test!

 

it's hair, isn't it...
u may not get them white...but u can get them clean !