Antique Clothes Brush Appraisal

Vintage Souvenir Pocket Clothes Brush from Praha (Prague)

This is a mid-20th-century folding or sliding pocket clothes brush, a common travel accessory from the 1940s to 1960s. The item features a slim, rectangular body encased in a black textured faux-leather (pebble-grain) or genuine leather wrap, bordered by a metal frame that appears to be chrome-plated steel or nickel. At the top, there is a decorative enameled brass or metal shield featuring the word 'PRAHA' (the Czech name for Prague) along with a stylized architectural depiction, likely the National Theatre or Prague Castle. The brush bristles, visible on the side, are likely natural boar hair or stiff synthetic fibers set into a wooden or plastic base that retracts or slides into the protective casing. The overall construction is utilitarian yet stylish for its era. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant signs of age and wear. Most notably, there is extensive green oxidation (verdigris) across the enamel souvenir badge and parts of the metal frame, suggesting exposure to moisture. The textured covering shows scuffing and loss of finish in several areas, while the metal edges exhibit pitting and surface grime. This item represents a classic European souvenir from the Cold War era or slightly earlier, reflecting the mid-century travel culture of Eastern Europe.