Faux Tortoiseshell Fruit Hair Comb

Ref: AN-0902-009

This lovely comb is a fine example of a late Victorian or Edwardian comb which displays some characteristics of the Art Nouveau movement, but is not overtly in the mode. Art Nouveau influence is shown in the design which suggests leaves and fruit. By the use of horn, which was a popular material for such combs.

As the Art Nouveau style gained in popularity, a whole class of popular jewellery was mass produced this reproduced the typical motifs of the genre, but was produced by machine and made in materials like celluloid. This pretty comb is made in a faux tortoiseshell effect and although originally made by machinery was probably hand finished.

Such combs were placed so that they were visible from every angle as in the final picture which is taken from a contemporary late Victorian cabinet photograph.

Size: 5½ x 3¼ ins (approx 14 x 8 cms)

£30.00

French Ivory Gilded Mantilla Comb

Ref: AN-0909-009

This beautiful ornament is made from an early celluloid substance, popularly known as French ivory, because it was invented to substitute for the much more expensive elephant ivory which was becoming rare and expensive by the early 20th century.

Such high topped combs were placed so that they were visible from every angle as in the final picture which is taken from a contemporary late Victorian cabinet photograph. The sitter has a very elaborate hairstyle which is typical of the period.

Size: 6½ x 5 ins (approx 16.5 x 12.5 cms)

£55.00

Pierced Black Mourning Hair Comb

Ref: AN-0909-014

This tall black celluloid mourning comb is of the type known as a mantilla comb. It resembles the combs which are worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. There was a fashion for combs of this type in the late 1870s after the debut of the opera Carmen. Mourning remained an important social custom into the 20th century up until World War I. This handsome comb is made from black celluloid with elaborate piercing.

When the traditional mourning material of Whitby jet began to fail various substances, including black celluloid, were made into mourning jewellery. The legend Bynan, 1868 is scratched on the back of the heading, probably the original owner.

Size: 4 ½ x 4 ins (approx 11 x 10 cms)

£45.00

Victorian Large Multi Coloured Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-016

This large and handsome multi coloured comb was probably made in the 1870s when combs were still very big and chunky. It is made of celluloid and is variously coloured in red and green overlaid with gilding.

Very large mantilla style combs became high fashion in the 1870s due to the influence of Bizet’s opera Carmen.

Size: 7 ins h x 6¼ ins w. (approx 18 cms x 16 cms) 

£60.00

Early 20th Century Steel Egyptian Revival Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-017

The oriental theme in costume during the opening years of the 20th century was very strong and was inspired by the costumes of the Russian Ballet. The ballet gave its first public performance in 1909, and its performance of Scheherazade took the capitals of Europe by storm.

This oriental theme led to a style of jewellery and ornaments which we now call Egyptian Revival. They can be recognised by the use of pseudo Egyptian motifs such as the heads of pharaohs, scarab beetles, and other similar motifs. These Egyptian combs are usually executed in coloured celluloid. Unusually this one is carried out in polished steel and besides the obligatory profile portrait it carries a pierced design.

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

£60.00

French Jet Spanish Style Mourning Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-018

This lovely comb has a high openwork heading in the mantilla style and probably dates from the late 19th century. It can be compared for style with the final picture which is taken from a Victorian photograph of the 1880s.

The comb base is of glossy black celluloid and is literally encrusted with many small faceted stones of French jet. It incorporates both square and spherical jet pieces which are riveted onto a black enamelled framework attached to the tines. It was probably worn by a lady who had entered what is called second mourning.

Size: 5 ins h x 4¼ ins w (approx 13 cms x 11 cms) 

£55.00

Georgian Pierced Gilt Metal Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-019

This delicate gilt metal hair comb probably dates from the early years of the 19th century. The final illustration is taken from an engraved fashion plate of the period dated 1806 and shows the prevailing mode, which was based upon classical Greece. In practice this meant a rather simple high waisted gown. The hair was also dressed in classical mode, drawn up to the crown in a small chignon. In these coiffures combs were popular ornaments.

Size: 2½ ins h x 2¾ ins w (approx 6.5 cms x 7 cms) 

£60.00

Late Victorian Back Comb with Garnets

Ref: AN-1110-017

This is a nice quality faux tortoiseshell hair comb dating from the late Victorian or Edwardian period of circa 1880 to 1910. By this period genuine tortoiseshell was becoming expensive and most hair ornaments which appear to be made of tortoise are, in fact, made from synthetics. The curved heading is sparingly ornamented with almandine garnets set deeply into their mounts and forming flower shapes.

Size: 4¼ x 3¼  ins (approx 11 x 8.5 cms) 

£60.00

Early 19th Century Gilt Metal Faux Pearl Tiara

Ref: AN-1110-018

Here we have a very fine example of early 19th century gilt metal and faux pearl tiara or frontlet. Such ornaments are widely depicted in contemporary portraits and the two penultimate pictures show examples.

In France, where most of these decorative tiara combs were produced, it was possible to secure matching sets. The ornamental headings, which were called frontlets, were secured to a detachable set of teeth by a small clip or screw fitting at either end. A set might therefore contain a set of plain brass teeth, and two or three frontlets in different materials which could be changed to suit the occasion. This meant that a lady of modest means could give the fashionable impression of owning many different headdresses. The final picture shows an example of a tiara with teeth intact.

Size: 1¼ x 6¼ ins (approx 3 x 16 cms) 

£250.00

Mid Victorian Gilded Metal Mantilla Comb

Ref: AN-1110-019

This is a good example of a mantilla style hair comb with a tall heading which probably dates from the 1970s or 1880s. There was a fashion for combs of this type in the late 1870s after the debut of the opera “Carmen” and the style lasted until the end of the century in various guises.

This example has tines of horn which have been left in their natural colouring. Note how the artisan has utilised the darker shade for the tips of the tines. The tall wedge shaped heading is of gilt metal which has been engraved with a diaper type design of scrolling leaves.

Size: 7 x 5 ins (approx 18 x 13 cms) 

£80.00