The grey quill is also handmade in France & Germany and it is equally as important as the brown as an essential brush for the sign painter. The series 189 or 189L is a universal lettering brush. The grey hair has more snap than the brown. It is used for general commercial work such as signs, truck lettering, boats, etc. The grey hair is more durable than the brown, and this brush is suitable for lettering on most surfaces.