Thanks, Kathy. The ferrule has been crimped several times before. It's not losing hairs, tho, and that's a good sign. I should try the glue.
I'm about to undergo some ambitious, large paintings and in the past this is my number one go-to brush, once the large washes are done. So I know it's going to get some hard use in the upcoming months. So I'm trying to think ahead and not destroy it. 

I've been experimenting with blends because my students want something cheaper, and I want them to use something good. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a #8 round, Silver Brush Black Velvet was extremely serviceable, had a nice feel, great point, and held a lot of pigment. So I recommend that brush and I use it in my work now. When retiring my other antique brush, a 1-1/2" flat wash sable,  I found to my utter surprise that a Silver Brush Black Velvet 3014S 1-1/2" Wash, performs very well. It has those "soft" edges, not chisel-shaped, and has a nice elegant feel to the stroke. So I'm hoping to find a similar delightful "find" among those sable blends in my 3/4" long-bristled brush.
The Silver Brush makes a square wash, but short bristles.  I just noticed, as I am still browsing this site, that they make a 1" wash that is 30mm long. hmmmm. but it has the short, squat handle, not the traditional. 

Thank you, Kathy. Very much appreciated. Sorry for the extended ramble.
Linda




_____________________
Linda M. Feltner Artist, LLC
P.O. Box 325
Hereford, AZ 85615
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www.lindafeltner.com







On Dec 26, 2012, at 1:03 PM, Kathleen Garness wrote:

> Are you sure you can't reset the ferrule in the holder, Linda?  If it still paints well for you, it might be worth trying to reattach by using an epoxy or a gel-type superglue and crimping the ferrule gently around the perimeter if it still misbehaves...
> 
> Just a thought,
> 
> Kathy G
> 
> On Dec 26, 2012, at 1:31 PM, Linda Feltner wrote:
> 
>> I am looking to replace my ancient beloved 3/4" sable watercolor brush. It's 40 yrs old (gasp) and still paints beautifully. It needs to be retired, the ferrel is loose and unrepairable. No idea what brand it is, long worn off. One of the first two brushes I ever owned. They made me buy good brushes to begin with.
> 
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