They are marked Towle Sterling on the handles. I can not tell if they have been used or not. The boxes, clear cap and tube are clean. The sterling could be cleaned if wanted. Some peoples like the patina. I don't see any damage to the handles, maybe some light scratching. I don't know if it is patina from being in the boxes? There are some darkening marks on them. Not bad I am guessing. I don't know what darkened marks on sterling is about, or why it is there? Some of the black shinny paper has come off of the boxes, you should be able to see in the pictures. Quit a bit of the shinny black paper has come off one long side of the longer box. I noticed you can not see it in the pictures. Just the two brushes weigh about one ounce on my scale. Thanks for looking and if you have any questions just ask.