DaveG
Airbush Analyst
I've been fooling a lot lately with three of my (potentially) oldest brushes. From the top down, they are a Wold A-1, Model U, and Model N. All are double action, but only the Model A-1 features a trigger and needle configuration most would recognize. On paper they all produce the same sort of results - very fine atomization, and symmetrical spray patters. They are all capable of some surprising levels of detail.
Much of my attention in researching the pieces has gone to determining the age of the brushes, or as close as can be approximated. I've been pouring through old patent drawings, catalogs, ad media, etc. to help pin down any potential dates. Coupled with small revisions in machining processes that normally occur with time, I have narrowed it down to the Model N (bottom brush) being the oldest. The Model A-1 (top brush) is probably the second oldest, with the Model U probably being the "newest" of the bunch. They all came in fitted wooden cases, which also helps to narrow the time frame.
You might look at the serial numbers, and ask yourself "what is he talking about?" Well, it is my guess that at some point they went from a 4 digit serial number to a 5 digit, with the first 2 digits being assigned in blocks to a particular model number. Perhaps around 1915, 1916 or so...
These three were most probably produced just before, and just after WW1. It'd take too long to type out all the boring details of how I made that determination, but I feel pretty confident that it is a realistic approximation.
Wold Model N
Wold Model U
Wold Model A-1
Much of my attention in researching the pieces has gone to determining the age of the brushes, or as close as can be approximated. I've been pouring through old patent drawings, catalogs, ad media, etc. to help pin down any potential dates. Coupled with small revisions in machining processes that normally occur with time, I have narrowed it down to the Model N (bottom brush) being the oldest. The Model A-1 (top brush) is probably the second oldest, with the Model U probably being the "newest" of the bunch. They all came in fitted wooden cases, which also helps to narrow the time frame.
You might look at the serial numbers, and ask yourself "what is he talking about?" Well, it is my guess that at some point they went from a 4 digit serial number to a 5 digit, with the first 2 digits being assigned in blocks to a particular model number. Perhaps around 1915, 1916 or so...
These three were most probably produced just before, and just after WW1. It'd take too long to type out all the boring details of how I made that determination, but I feel pretty confident that it is a realistic approximation.
Wold Model N
Wold Model U
Wold Model A-1