tatocorvette
Detail Decepticon!
Hello,
Bear with me as this will probably take more than 1 post because of the number of pictures.
Brief history
As we have discussed elsewhere, Thayer & Chandler played a pivotal role in the history of airbrushing. While the name still exists today as a sub-brand of Badger, The original company closed around 1999 or so, after almost 110 years of airbrush manufacturing and about 120 years of business. Badger acquired it about 2 or 3 years after the shutdown but that's a whole other story.
The Thayer & Chandler Model A airbrush was by far their most popular product and was in production for pretty much all of the 20th Century. A variation of the Model A was the Model AA from the 70's. Another variation is the A Elite: A gravity feed variation/evolution of the Model A.
I frequently use catalogs to get an idea of timeframes of offerings. But Thayer & Chandler catalogs are not very easy to find.
I did find a 1977 price list/order form and the Elite was not listed. Only the A, AA and models E, C and G. So I'd guess to venture the Elite was after that? I'm sure Dave can provide more info.
I recall seeing also a model AA Elite which I would think is the same variation but of the AA which was essentially a medium size nozzle setup of the A which was a fine setup.
Not sure if Elites came in different cup sizes, but as you will see, mine listed the cup size as part of the description.
My specimen
I recently acquired this Thayer & Chandler A Elite from a fellow forum member along with the Wold A-1 we discussed elsewhere.
Based on the case, I'd guess this is from around the 1990's. The case can use some TLC. Notice the label "A ELITE 1/16 oz." That suggests that maybe there were other cup sizes.
The "hinge" was held by a thread. About to break.
But the important part is there. The brush is in good shape.
Minor traces of use and a few small scratches here and there. It can benefit from a bling session.
No need to take it apart. It can... never mind. I can't help it.
Everything was carefully cleaned and polished.
The super pointy and thin needle had a small bend at the tip. Carefully brought it back the best I could.
Presenting the Thayer & Chandler A ELITE
Notice how the needle extends beyond the cap in this pic. more on that in a moment.
This airbrush is interesting. While not a revolutionary design, you can see it was designed to be a very fine piece of equipment. However, the machining and manufacturing process show signs of possible cost control. While not necessarily interfering with the operation or functionality, you can clearly see machining marks. The exterior finish is acceptable.
But you can also see the importance of that tactile feel in the design.
This is one of the most beautiful needle chuck nuts I've seen.
(to be continued...)
Bear with me as this will probably take more than 1 post because of the number of pictures.
Brief history
As we have discussed elsewhere, Thayer & Chandler played a pivotal role in the history of airbrushing. While the name still exists today as a sub-brand of Badger, The original company closed around 1999 or so, after almost 110 years of airbrush manufacturing and about 120 years of business. Badger acquired it about 2 or 3 years after the shutdown but that's a whole other story.
The Thayer & Chandler Model A airbrush was by far their most popular product and was in production for pretty much all of the 20th Century. A variation of the Model A was the Model AA from the 70's. Another variation is the A Elite: A gravity feed variation/evolution of the Model A.
I frequently use catalogs to get an idea of timeframes of offerings. But Thayer & Chandler catalogs are not very easy to find.
I did find a 1977 price list/order form and the Elite was not listed. Only the A, AA and models E, C and G. So I'd guess to venture the Elite was after that? I'm sure Dave can provide more info.
I recall seeing also a model AA Elite which I would think is the same variation but of the AA which was essentially a medium size nozzle setup of the A which was a fine setup.
Not sure if Elites came in different cup sizes, but as you will see, mine listed the cup size as part of the description.
My specimen
I recently acquired this Thayer & Chandler A Elite from a fellow forum member along with the Wold A-1 we discussed elsewhere.
Based on the case, I'd guess this is from around the 1990's. The case can use some TLC. Notice the label "A ELITE 1/16 oz." That suggests that maybe there were other cup sizes.
The "hinge" was held by a thread. About to break.
But the important part is there. The brush is in good shape.
Minor traces of use and a few small scratches here and there. It can benefit from a bling session.
No need to take it apart. It can... never mind. I can't help it.
Everything was carefully cleaned and polished.
The super pointy and thin needle had a small bend at the tip. Carefully brought it back the best I could.
Presenting the Thayer & Chandler A ELITE
Notice how the needle extends beyond the cap in this pic. more on that in a moment.
This airbrush is interesting. While not a revolutionary design, you can see it was designed to be a very fine piece of equipment. However, the machining and manufacturing process show signs of possible cost control. While not necessarily interfering with the operation or functionality, you can clearly see machining marks. The exterior finish is acceptable.
But you can also see the importance of that tactile feel in the design.
This is one of the most beautiful needle chuck nuts I've seen.
(to be continued...)
