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 This pretty comb is made in a faux tortoiseshell effect and although originally made by machinery was probably hand finished.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)

£25.00

Faux Tortoiseshell Silvertone Rose Comb

Ref: AN-0902-011

This lovely comb is a fine example of a late Victorian or Edwardian comb. The jewellery of this period tended on the whole to be conservative in design. This is representative of a whole class of ornaments worn by women who wanted to own pretty accessories but not to be too extreme.

The light and delicate appearance is also in accord with the simpler hairdressing in vogue at the turn of the twentieth century.

The asymmetric and naturalistic treatment of the applied silver rose design shows Art Nouveau influence without being overtly in the mode.

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: 6 x 3½ ins (approx 15 x 9 cms)

£40.00

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)

£50.00

Danish Silver and Amber Hair Comb

Ref: AN-0909-011

This very beautiful hair comb is made in the so-called skonvirke style which originated in Denmark. It paralleled the turn-of-the-century Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements of England and France and gave a radical new look to Danish design.

Skonvirke is characterised by the use of silver wrought into curvaceous and organic forms such as flowers, leaves and birds. It often incorporates cabochons of semi precious stones or, as here, materials like amber. The comb is signed with the initials VmF and 820 for silver content. The silver mounting is fitted onto a foundation of genuine pre ban tortoiseshell, and the ornament probably dates from the late 19th or early 20th century.

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

£100.00

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)

£40.00

Elaborate Silver Tone Anglo Indian Hair Comb

Ref: AN-0909-015

This fine silver tone filigree tiara style hair comb was probably made in India for the Western market in a style which we now call Anglo Indian.

Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1879 and this popularised Indian craftsmanship. Filigree work is traditional in India, but a genre of ornaments was produced for the Western market, which was strictly for export. They are an interesting example of an era, and of how personal adornment was influenced by travel to other lands and cultures. This one appears to be hand assembled from a multitude of separate elements and incorporates swirls, leaves and other motifs.

Size: 5½ x 6 ins (approx 14 x 15 cms)

£40.00

Late Victorian French Jet Mourning Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1008-031

This handsome mantilla style comb is made from black celluloid with an attractive curved profile and a radiating design resembling spokes. It is further embellished with faceted pieces made from a substance called French jet. These are riveted onto a black enamel framework which is attached to the tines.

It was probably worn for mourning. Victorian etiquette was strict and decreed that in deep mourning, the widow and close relative of the deceased must dress in plain dark garments. This mourning dress is illustrated in the final picture. Only ornaments of dull dark materials like Whitby jet were allowed and this was the material of choice.

Size: 5½ x 4½  ins (approx 14 x 11.5 cms)

£45.00

Mid Victorian Engraved Mother of Pearl Comb

Ref: AN-1008-032

This wonderful engraved mother of pearl comb dates from the later Victorian period and was made to be worn at the back of the head, as demonstrated on the mannequin.  The ornament has a heading comprising one solid piece of mother of pearl which has been finely engraved with a formalised floral design.

Size: 4¾ x 4 ins (approx 12 x 10 cms)

£55.00

Victorian French Jet Mourning Back Comb

Ref: AN-1008-033

This handsome back comb is made from black celluloid with an attractive curved profile and a radiating design resembling spokes. It is further embellished with faceted pieces made from a substance called French jet. These are riveted onto a black enamel framework which is attached to the black celluloid comb mount.

It was probably worn for mourning. Victorian etiquette was strict and decreed that in deep mourning, the widow and close relative of the deceased must dress in plain dark garments. This mourning dress is illustrated in the final. Only ornaments of dull dark materials like Whitby jet were allowed and this was the material of choice.

Size: 3½ x 4½  ins (approx 9 x 11 cms)

£45.00