To my eye such beautiful things, which remain in very useable condition (not shedding a bit, even when the bristles are pulled hard), though I'd be inclined to thread ribbons through the holes in their handles and hang them on the wall. The hair is real badger hair, characterized by stiff bristles ending in very soft tips, typically used to soften and evenly blend oil paint on the canvas. The ferrules on both of these are made of bone, with turned wood handles. Late 19th c. I believe, and just lovely.

Larger brush is 10 1/2" long, 5 1/16" across at ferrule, and 3/4" d. Smaller is 9 1/4" l, 2 1 1/2" across at ferrule, and 5/8". Some old paint or stain on the bone of the larger brush, which I have not tried to clean but appears it would likely come off, and a little wear to the stain on the handle around the hole. Sold as a pair.