I found a wonderful carved wooden spoon several years ago with the handwritten name of its maker (and year 1798) inlaid under glass in the handle; this brush immediately made me think of that.  And also of cut and woven paper hearts--the zigzag half circle above the year 1866 here is hand-cut pink paper, under glass, is very much of the antique love token sort. The rest of glass reverse painted in a grain painted style, with the year, and monogram ICS, and perimeter decoration etched (scratched) into the glass from the reverse.  Perhaps a sweetheart gift of a clothes brush, I am not sure. And perhaps the cut paper portion was meant to read as a D turned the other way? Whatever the case, a singular, very lovely and special feeling thing. Blonde bristles, horsehair I believe, tightly held and in very good.condition, and the wood back with a very gentle bow to its shape, which is quite nice.   

8 3/4" x 2 13/16" x 1 1/2", very good condition.