Flapper Shingle Comb

Ref: DE-0208-001

This unusual hair accessory is not really an ornament at all but an article used for cutting the hair at home in the early 20th century! At this time many young women began to cut their long hair very short in the boyish looking bob, and later the even more brief shingle.

Pictures 5 and 6 show examples of this extremely short boyish hair style.

Beauty salons were not very widespread at this time and confined to large cities. So many people had to cut their hair at home using aids like this which were available through catalogues.

The comb was placed on top of the hair with the teeth pointing downward. The lower edge formed a guide for cutting a straight edge on the hair. It is made from dark brown celluloid and is marked to show that is was patented on August 20th 1914. An interesting piece of costume and hairdressing history!

Size: 3 x 5¼ ins (approx 8 x 13 cms)

£15.00

Art Deco Hair Comb
probably USA

Ref: DE-0208-004

This large and glitzy Art Deco hair comb is typical of hair accessories made in the USA at this period. This pretty ornament dates from approximately 1910-1925 and is made in pale translucent celluloid with a triangular openwork heading that features a number of radiating spokes or panels.

This is a typical design of the period and is generally known as the sunray pattern. The attractive openwork heading is further embellished with black enamel and bright red rhinestones. Such combs, which have a mantilla like appearance, were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides.

This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period. You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 6½ x 4¼ ins (approx 17 x 11 cms)

£45.00

Art Deco Hair Comb
probably USA

Ref: DE-0208-007

This large and glitzy Art Deco hair comb is typical of hair accessories made in the USA at this period. This pretty ornament dates from approximately 1910-1925 and is made in pale translucent celluloid with an asymmetrical or sidesweep heading that features a number of radiating spokes or panels.

This is a typical design of the period and is generally known as the sunray pattern. The radiating panels are interspersed with open scrollwork and are further embellished with bright green rhinestones. Such combs were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides.

This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period. You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 5½ x 5 ins (approx 15 x 13 cms)

£35.00

Art Deco Celluloid Hair Comb
probably French

Ref: DE-0208-008

This handsome black celluloid hair comb of the art deco period has all the hallmarks of a comb made by the French atelier of Auguste Bonaz, the master comb maker of the period.

This comb bears no such a signature. However the heavy quality, the glossy black colour and the clean pure lines are all typical of high quality French hair combs of this period. Such combs were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides.

This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period. Picture 4 shows an ad for a similar comb from a French magazine of the 1920s.

You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 5½ x 4 ins (approx 13 x 10 cms)

£30.00

Art Deco Hair Comb
probably USA

Ref: DE-0208-009

This pretty Art Deco hair comb is typical of hair accessories made in the USA at this period. This attractive ornament dates from approximately 1910-1925 and is made in pale translucent celluloid with an oval shaped heading that features a number of radiating spokes or panels.

This is a typical design of the period and is generally known as the sunray pattern. The radiating panels further embellished with bright green rhinestones. Such combs were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides.

This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period. Picture 5 illustrates a similar comb from an English fashion magazine dated 1923.

You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 5 x 3 ins (approx 12 x 7 cms)

£30.00

Art Deco Hair Comb
probably USA

Ref: DE-0208-010

This large and glitzy Art Deco hair comb is typical of hair accessories made in the USA at this period. This pretty ornament dates from approximately 1910-1925 and is made in pale translucent celluloid with a very wide fan shaped heading that features a number of radiating spokes or panels.

This is a typical design of the period and is generally known as the sunray pattern. The radiating panels form scalloped loops on the outer border, and are further embellished with bright green rhinestones. Some of the rhinestones have darkened slightly with the passing of time.

Such combs were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides. This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period.

You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 6¼ x 5 ins (approx 16 x 12 cms)

£40.00

Amber Fan Shape Spanish Comb

Ref: DE-0903-010

This very beautiful hair comb is made of a dark translucent amber coloured material which simulates either natural amber or the so-called blonde variety of genuine tortoiseshell. Most of the hair ornaments which appear to be made of natural materials are, in fact, made from synthetics. 

These faux amber, ivory or tortoise combs are some of the prettiest to be found at this period, and are skilfully treated to imitate the colouring and pattern of the genuine material. The design is yet another interpretation of the sunray design with palm shaped motifs radiating out from the base.

The final illustration is taken from a contemporary coloured postcard.

Size: 5¾ x 5 ins (approx 14.5 x 13 cms)

£35.00

Deep Amber Celluloid Overlay Fan Shaped Hair Comb

Ref: DE-0911-001

This large sized hair comb is made by an interesting manufactured technique called celluloid overlay. This is where the item is made in two separate castings of contrasting colours. Here for example a transparent base coat has been cast with a shiny upper shell in a mottled faux tortoise effect which shows along the edges of the swirled design and the tips of the tines.

The comb has a classic motif of radiating lines and terminating in a scalloped profile. This is yet another version of the iconic sunray motif which is found on many combs of the period and may refer to the popular craze for sun bathing.

Size: 6½  x 6½  ins; (approx 16.5 x 16.5 cms)

£40.00