Removing lettering from a brush handle

I think I would like to remove a very small part of the lettering on the Rooney brush handle that was ruined by the two 'artisans' during its re-knotting. What I had in mind was taking off only the number 2 that is between the words 'hand' and 'made,' as seen in the image below, since it is inappropriate for a 3/3 brush. Does anyone here know a good way for me to remove just that one character, without power tools (since I have none) and without damaging the other lettering?

Very tough without refinishing the whole handle.  Maybe black resin, tape off everything around the 2 then with a toothpick and steady hand fill the 2.  Still a risk and you would probably still see the outline of the 2.  I would probably use a black sharpie first then attempt to fill it. Yikes!

I though the lettering was engraved. If its just stenciled on maybe a lacquer or paint thinner, it would also remove the gloss though. You could possibly re-gloss that small portion. Again yikes!

I though the lettering was engraved. If its just stenciled on maybe a lacquer or paint thinner, it would also remove the gloss though. You could possibly re-gloss that small portion. Again yikes!

Yes, I thought about nail polish remover, but as you said, the gloss probably would be taken off too.

Poor brush, it has been through a lot.
Why not retire it or list on the BST instead of further modifications as they will never restore it to the original condition?

I would not use anything like nail polish or any other kind of solvent!! It probably will remove the writing but will harm the resin of the handle, at least there is a good chance it will make it worse fro you. You have been through quite a bit already.
I am following this and the initial thread with quite some interest. One thing I never do when re-knotting a brush is to buff it.

I would not use anything like nail polish or any other kind of solvent!! It probably will remove the writing but will harm the resin of the handle, at least there is a good chance it will make it worse for you. You have been through quite a bit already.

I am following this and the initial thread with quite some interest. One thing I never do when re-knotting a brush is to buff it.

Rudy is spot on.  NO solvent.  

IMHO, there is not a satisfactory way of removing the unwanted character. 
Covering it with Sharpie or a dark paint is likely the best that can be done.

Were it mine, I would sell it to someone else, accept the experience for what it was, and move on.  

I expect there are many other very satisfying brushes on your shelf.  I know I have quite a few brushes in my "out of sight, out of mind" drawer.  And find much satisfaction in using the wonderful ones in the "current use" cabinet.

Concurred. Many would be very happy to have such a high quality brush (scripting not withstanding) as a nonheirloom addition to their rotation.

Thanks for all the input, guys, I appreciate it. I am not going to try to modify the brush further; I'll either keep it and use or sell it on the BST.

I personally would just sell it and move on from because every time you look at it you will be reminded of what happened and its only obvious that it upsets you!!