I found my old Badger Model 200-3 single action airbrush a few nights ago as well as a DeVilbiss Areograph Sprite Major double action.

The Badger I received as a gift about 25 years ago, just before I got out of kit building, so it was never used and still in the box with all of the original items in the kit. With an airbrush this old and never used, is there anything I need to look at in regards to dried out seals and gaskets?

Now with the Sprite Major this was my father's that he picked up when he was working at DeVilbiss as with the other one it was never used as well. I've looked on the net to find spare parts for it and this one seems to be a very hard brush to find spares for. Should I get another brush or just use the Badger only?

Thank you.

I would try the Badger out, I have one almost that old. Its great for primer coats and base coats. Could not find any thing on the Devibliss. Dont know how old it is. Theres not any rubber seals in my Badger. At the home page of Armorrama there is a Triple Treat Airbrush review. Good info. I wish i had bought a double atcion brush first. Hope this helps.

Before investing in a new brush see what the old one can do. If nothing else it may be a good 'base coat' brush. Then go ahead, read the Triple Treat feature and see what you think might be another good brush.

Air brushes haven't really changed much over the years. I still have my first, and only, airbrush. It is a 21 year old Paasche H. I use it all the time. I have replaced the seal and tips a few times over the years,and it still works great. As long as it is maintained, they will last indefinitely and give great results.

Gary, here's a collection of some beautiful vintage brushes, about half way down may be the DeVilbiss you own.

http://www.getpainted.com/vintageairbrushes.html

You may even be able to still get parts for it by contacting DeVilbiss and giving the s/n.
You could probably sell it for a decent chunk of change and pick up a very nice modern brush.
Personally, I'd put it in a display case, what a beautiful piece of history.

That is the first website I found when I started looking for information on it. The one (my father had) is the bottom feed (suction) from the glass jar.

Parts for it seem to be very hard to find. Calling DeVilbiss is very hard as well. Over the last 20 years the different divisions of it where sold off to different companies, then resold to other companies, but I know the compressor and industrial spray guns are here in my home town.

Thank you.