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)

£45.00

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)

£45.00

French Jet and Celluloid Mourning Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-008

This is a remarkable large and elaborate late Victorian mourning comb which probably dates from the 1890s. Although such combs are notoriously hard to date accurately this one shows the unmistakable influence of the Art Nouveau movement in the swirled organic lines of the heading.

The comb base is of glossy black celluloid and is literally encrusted with many small faceted stones of French jet. It was probably worn by a lady who had entered what is called second mourning such as the sitter in the penultimate picture. The final illustration shows a mourning gown of the 1880s.

Size: 7¼ ins h x 5¼ ins w (approx 18.5 cms x 13.5 cms) 

£60.00

Titanic Replica Butterfly Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1110-048

This beautiful Art Nouveau style hair comb is a modern replica of the one used in the famous film Titanic which features a poignant love story between a young society lady and a poor boy. The comb is made from celluloid faux tortoise with wings in enamel and set with a faux chrysoprase cabochon.

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

£70.00

Late Victorian Back Comb with Moulded Cameos

Ref: AN-1110-008

At the turn of the 20th century the hair was worn in a distinctive puffed out style which has become familiar from the drawings of Charles Dana Gibson. This is also known as a Pompadour style, and often incorporated the use of underlying pads and false hair. It was supported at the back of the head and sometimes at the sides as well by wide back combs, which might be as plain or as fancy as the wearer desired.  These combs also helped to support the huge hats of the late Victorian and Edwardian period, as illustrated in the contemporary photograph which is dated 1895. This handsome example is of celluloid faux tortoiseshell with an elaborate heading design encrusted in clear rhinestones.

Size: 3¾ x 4½ ins (approx8.5 x 11 cms) 

£70.00

Victorian Moulded Vulcanite Chain Link Hinged Comb

Ref: AN-1110-009

Here we have a classic hinged mid Victorian hair comb. 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 may be worn either in the back of the hairdressing or above the forehead as a tiara. The final picture shows a contemporary photograph of the 1880s in which the sitter wears a very similar comb with a chain link design in tiara style. The photographs with the mannequin show how the ornament might also be worn below the chignon as a back comb.

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

£70.00