Ever-Ready 300N, or general brush restoration advice needed

I picked up a 300N and ran into a snag. While attempting to steam out the knot, it fell off its perch into the water. The bottom of the brush bubbled out. I assume because it was floating on its side, air worked its way into the handle and deformed the bottom of the brush as it was trying to escape. Is there a safe and easy way to push the bubble back up? I'm sorry I don't have any pictures. I can take a couple if necessary. This has to be a relatively common mistake. It didn't take long to happen. Thanks for any advice.

I highly recommend against using steam to remove a knot from a brush. I have only tried this once on a Rooney and the resin handle cracked while the knot stayed put. -> trashed

Without seeing your brush's damage it's going to be very hard to give you any specific advice. I would say sanding and polishing are certainly an option, but for most of those old brushes the effort may not be worth the investment as they can usually be replaced for a few dollars on ebay or etsy.

I highly recommend against using steam to remove a knot from a brush. I have only tried this once on a Rooney and the resin handle cracked while the knot stayed put. -> trashed

Without seeing your brush's damage it's going to be very hard to give you any specific advice. I would say sanding and polishing are certainly an option, but for most of those old brushes the effort may not be worth the investment as they can usually be replaced for a few dollars on ebay or etsy.

Thanks. I think I have to agree with you about steam. It seems like a simple, relatively fail-proof deal, but really, so many things can go wrong. At this point, I think I've ruined two handles with steam. One was an accident, and the other happened in the process as shown on youtube and the boards. Oh well, this is why some people mess with this stuff and some do not.