Abstract: A brush applicator instrument is provided having a compressible reservoir and valve means for selectively establishing fluid communication between the brush and the reservoir in response to compression of the reservoir. The valve means includes an extensible ferrule shiftable away from the reservoir in response to compression of the latter to thereby establish a fluid passage between the reservoir and the applicator brush such that liquid is presented to the brush only when the reservoir is compressed. An annular, flexible wall section between the reservoir and the shiftable ferrule establishes a normally sealed relationship between the reservoir and ferrule, yet due to the flexibility of the wall permits shifting movement of the ferrule relative to the reservoir when the reservoir is compressed to establish the fluid passage.