Victorian Mother of Pearl and Silver Tone Hair Comb

Ref: AN-0608-031

This very unusual late Victorian hair comb probably dates from 1890 – 1910. Is has tines which are carved out of one solid piece of mother of pearl.

The tall silver tone metal heading is in elaborate filigree like pattern of interlocked floral motifs with a delicate scalloped border.

Size: 6 ¼ x 1 ½ ins (approx 16 x 4 cms) 

£50.00

Pierced and Engraved Steel Mantilla Style Comb

Ref: AN-0708-001

This is an excellent example of an engraved and pierced steel mantilla type hair comb from the mid Victorian period. This tall type of ornament became popular in the late 1870s due to the debut of the opera Carmen.

Picture 7 shows an engraved fashion plate of the period featuring similar high backed combs worn in the most elaborate of hairdressings.

Size: 5 x 3¾ ins (approx 12.5 x 9.5 cms)

£30.00

Early 20th Century Swastika Motif Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1108-010

This handsome honey coloured accessory is a back comb. This is a type of hair accessory specifically designed to be worn at the back of the hairdressing above, below or within the chignon. It is usually identified by a deep curve made to fit the skull.

These combs are usually wider than they are high and have an elaborate heading or top decorated in some way. This unusual comb is decorated with four swastika motifs.

Though once commonly used all over much of the world without stigma, because of its iconic usage in Nazi Germany the symbol has become controversial in Western society. In fact it has a long history and is found in many cultures, including Native American, going back into the Neolithic period.

Size: 3½ x 4 ins (approx 9 x 10 cms)

£40.00

Imitation Goldstone Back Comb

Ref: AN-1208-002

This handsome back comb is made in celluloid faux tortoiseshell and shows a heading design which is undoubtedly influenced by the Art Deco style, but without being overtly in the mode.

This is typical of a class of jewellery favoured by women with more conservative tastes who wished to own pretty ornaments but not to appear to far forward. It is decorated with a material which resembles the glittering mineral known as goldstone.

Here the design is produced with enamel in a geometric pattern which is a watered down version of Art Deco.

Size: 4½ x 3 ins (approx 7.5 x 11 cms)

£30.00

Pre-ban Genuine Tortoiseshell Hand Carved Mantilla Comb

Ref: AN-1108-003

Although it is not perfect this large and beautiful mantilla style hair comb is a magnificent example of oriental tortoiseshell carving at its finest. The workmanship on the heading is so delicate as to resemble the finest lace and incorporates all kinds of motifs of a mostly floral nature.

For example we can see formalised lotus and peonies enclosed within scrollwork cartouches. The use of these oriental flowers is typical of Eastern workmanship. The comb was probably made in China in the late 19th century.

The ornament is carved from one large solid piece genuine shell, or which the tortoise type patterning has been very effectively used by the designer in fashioning the intertwined openwork shape which decorates the heading. As seen the comb lacks four tines which have been broken off at some time in the past.

The points of the remaining tines are also somewhat uneven. Because of its delicacy we would not recommend this comb for wearing but it might be displayed upon a mannequin. The ornament is shown with a lace mantilla veil and the final picture shows an actress from the opera Carmen which led to the popularity of these combs in Britain.

Size: 7½ x 8½ ins (approx 9 x 12 cms)
        Heading height 4½ ins (approx 11 cms)

£150.00

Late 19th Century Rhinestone Eagle Back Comb

Ref: AN-1008-011

This ornament is called a back comb because it was intended to be worn at the back of the head either above or below the chignon. It dates from the period 1890 to 1915.

The material is celluloid faux tortoiseshell and a distinctive decoration has been added in the form of a rhinestone eagle. The stones are claw set into a silver tone metal mounting which is held on by tiny rivets.

There is one missing stone but of a size which can easily be replaced.

Size: 3 x 4½ ins (approx 7.5 x 11 cms)

£25.00

Late Victorian Silver Applied Work Comb

Ref: AN-1008-009

This is a fine late Victorian faux tortoiseshell mantilla style hair comb with attractive silver tone decoration. The high wedge shaped heading would be visible from all angles as seen on the mannequin.

The pretty silver filigree application is done in the so called classical taste which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Size: 6 x 4 ins (approx 15 x 10 cms)

£30.00

Georgian Gilt Metal Filigree Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1008-007

This fine early 19th century comb is made from silver gilt filigree with an asymmetrical design which is typical of English combs of the Regency period. It has a decoration of milled wire stretched across a reflective back plate.

The dainty dimensions and restrained design are typical of the period.

Size: 4 x 3¼ ins (approx 10 x 8 cms)

£80.00

Pre Ban Carved Genuine Tortoiseshell Comb

Ref: AN-1008-021

This wonderful hand carved genuine tortoiseshell comb dates from the mid Victorian period of 1860-1880 when the most elaborate hairstyles were in vogue and hair accessories were large and chunky. It is made from one large solid piece of natural shell which is highly polished and beautifully mottled and translucent in parts. It has a design of acorns placed against scrollwork in which the natural colouring of the material has been very effectively used by the artist.

Size: 4½ x 4¼  ins (approx 11.5 x 11 cms)

£120.00

Victorian Hinged Coral Beads Comb

Ref: AN-1008-022

No collection of antique hair combs is really complete without an example in coral, which is regarded as a quintessentially Victorian material.

Here we have a classic hinged comb with a curved heading which is decorated with two rows of rose coloured coral beads strung on fine gilt metal wire.  The heading is adjustable, being attached to the prongs by a flexible hinge of gilt metal, which allows it to rotate through 90 or more degrees. This enables the ornament to be adjusted to various positions within the coiffure. Such combs are of the type which may be worn either in the back of the hairdressing (as on the mannequin) or above the forehead as a tiara as in the final picture. This is taken from a photograph of the 1870s and shows a stylish lady with an elaborate comb worn tiara style.

Size: 3 x 4  ins (approx 7.5 x 10 cms)

£100.00