Sometimes, it’s not always the most obvious possessions that are treasured the most. A wooden spoon, a little ornament, a photograph or a family heirloom, generational gifting is a personal and sentimental affair.
For Daran O'Féaráin, it was a pair of Kent shoe brushes passed down to him from his grandfather that struck a chord. These humble-looking brushes are marked ‘Kent-1940’ (the year they were made) along with the military mark of the crow's foot, and C 233 ALT, the brush’s code.
A pair of vintage Kent shoe Brushes
This pair of brushes would have endured so much, travelling in the rucksack of his grandfather during the war, who knows the locations, strife and conflict they saw? This style of shoe brush was supplied to soldiers as part of their military kit in both World War I and World War II. Kent Brushes supplied the Ministry of Defence with many different types of brushes for inclusion in combat kits. From boots, buttons, hair and shaving brushes, we played an integral part in kitting out our servicemen.
“My grandad fought in the Second World War so he must have brought them home with him. The brushes get used all the time and are still in excellent condition considering they are 83 years old!”
Daran’s great-grandfather was a shoe and boot maker in Ireland and travelled with his son (William Turner) to England at the end of WW2 – do you think he also owned a Kent Brush? Either way, we want to pay tribute to the service of these men, Daran’s prized Kent Brushes, and to mark the importance of investing in quality products – whether it’s a brush, a coat or a piece of jewellery – they might just end up being a treasured vestige cherished by future generations.
Ernest Gordon Chorley Medals, Soldiers Release and Service Pay Books. On his wedding day in 1917, during WW1 (centre/ front row) with his wife on the left.
So, this Father’s Day – why not invest in something special from Kent Brushes? Explore our gift guide here.
Have you inherited a vintage Kent brush? If so, please do get in touch.
Thank you to Daran O'Féaráin for sharing your story with us.
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