Rectangular shoe or boot brush with a wooden handle and densely packed natural bristles (likely horsehair). The wood block is smooth from use, showing traces of dark polish or wax residue along the edges. Brushes of this type were standard-issue for soldiers to maintain leather boots and uniform appearance.
Often included in soldiers’ personal kit bags, these brushes were used with polish to waterproof and preserve leather footwear — a critical routine in both field and parade conditions.