Late Victorian Faux Tortoiseshell Comb

Ref: AN-0208-008

This handsome late Victorian hair comb is of the type popularly called a mantilla comb, because it resembles the ornaments which are worn by Spanish ladies in their native dress.

Such combs became very popular from the 1870s with the opening of the opera Carmen. They remained in fashion well into the 20th century. This one has an openwork design with solid panels alternative with those featuring open scrollwork.

By the late 19th century genuine tortoiseshell had become an expensive luxury material and was widely imitated by celluloid faux tortoise effects. Picture 6 is from a contemporary photograph and show how large mantilla combs like this were worn standing proud of the head.

Size: 5 ¼ x 3 ½ ins (approx 13 x 9 cms) 

£35.00

Late Victorian Faux Tortoiseshell Comb

Ref: AN-0208-009

This handsome late Victorian hair comb is of the type popularly called a mantilla comb, because is resembles the ornaments which are worn by Spanish ladies in their native dress.

Such combs became very popular from the 1870s with the opening of the opera Carmen. They remained in fashion well into the 20th century. This one has an oval heading with an openwork design with solid panels alternative with those featuring open scrollwork.

By the late 19th century genuine tortoiseshell had become an expensive luxury material and was widely imitated by celluloid faux tortoise effects. Picture 6 is from a contemporary photograph and show how large mantilla combs like this were worn standing proud of the head.

Size: 6 x 3 ins (approx 15 x 8 cms) 

£35.00

Mid Victorian Hinged Algerian Style Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-001

This large and chunky gilded brass comb can be dated to the mid Victorian period of circa 1860-1880 by the presence of the hinge. This allowed the heading to rotate and the comb to be adjusted to various positions within the hairdressing.

This style of comb with dangling components was generally known as a Peigne d’Alger or Algerian style. The name hails from the French-Algerian wars in the early 19th century which made the Moorish style popular. In hair ornaments this often incorporated dangling pendants or the use of pseudo Arabic writing.

Size: 2¾ ins h x 4 ins w (approx 6.5 cms x 10 cms) 

£55.00

Early American Horn Handmade Comb

Ref: AN-1104-003

This is a rare example of an early American steer horn comb which has survived in excellent condition. All too often these combs have damage to the tines but this handsome ornament has all its 22 hand cut tines perfectly intact and sharply pointed. The comb has been stained to simulate the much more expensive tortoiseshell and was probably made in a small local factory.

The early horn comb making industry in the USA is well documented in several works and was centred around the town of Leominster. The combs vary from plain classic examples like this to others of the most lacelike and fretted delicacy.

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

£50.00

Early 20th Century Black Celluloid Bandeau Comb

Ref: AN-1104-004

This large and handsome celluloid hair ornament is of the type called a bandeau comb. It has wings which extent to wrap around the sides of the head like a bandeau ornament. These combs were particular favourites in the early 20th century when many women had their hair bobbed and then regretted it. This type of ornament could be worn either above or below the chignon and could conceal the hairpins where a false piece (known as a postiche) was pinned on.

Size: 4¼ ins h x 5¾ ins w (approx 11 cms x 14.5 cms) 

£40.00

Late Victorian Faceted Amber Comb or Hairpin

Ref: AN-1110-001

This ornament probably dates from the decade 1895-1905, when hairdressing had become much simpler than in the mid Victorian period. The hair was now drawn high onto the head in a topknot or up-do. This high chignon was often pierced by small combs with fancy headings of various kinds.

Size: 5½ x 1½ ins (approx 14 x 4 cms) 

£50.00

Early Victorian Engraved Silver Comb in Renaissance Style

Ref: AN-1110-003

This fine silver comb is from the early Victorian period and probably dates from the 1840s or 1850s. A popular fashion at this time was for ornaments in historical styles, such as the Renaissance. The final picture shows an engraved fashion plate of the mid 19th century with elaborate hair combs done in various historical styles, such as gothic.

Size: 3½ x 3¾ ins (approx 9 x 9.5 cms) 

£125.00