Multi Rhinestone Lilac Art Nouveau Comb

Ref: AN-0909-022

Art Nouveau is a style which lasted a comparatively short period from about 1895 to 1919. It is distinguished by complex interlaced lines, and naturalistic or organic motifs. The earliest Art Nouveau ornaments were hand made but as the style gained in popularity, a whole class of popular jewellery was mass produced which reproduced the typical motifs of the genre, but were produced by machine and made in synthetics.

This very beautiful translucent celluloid comb has a design of iris, that iconic flower much loved by Art Nouveau jewellers on account of its exotic appearance. Here the flowers are rendered in dark blue and purple rhinestones with the leaves suggested in emerald green.

Size: 7 x 4 ins (approx 18 x 10 cms)

£80.00

Late Victorian Celluloid Comb with Fleur De Lys

Ref: AN-1104-021

This pretty late Victorian comb is of the type known as a mantilla comb from its resemblance to the ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. The comb has a tall wedge shaped heading in pale translucent celluloid, while the prongs were opaque black. The chief feature of the heading is the prominent fleur de lys motif in black enamel emphasized with clear rhinestones.

The fleur de lys motif is commonly believed to represent a lily, signifying purity. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty and is associated with the Royal Arms of France. Due to its three "petals" the fleur-de-lys has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.

Size: 5¾ ins h x 3¼ ins w (approx 14.5 cms x 8 cms) 

£35.00

French Jet Spanish Mourning Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1104-023

This handsome ornament is a Spanish style mourning comb Made of glossy black celluloid and is literally encrusted with many small faceted stones of French jet. The openwork design of the heading features a motif reminiscent of curled feathers or possibly fern fronds,

The comb was probably worn by a lady who had entered what is called second mourning. Victorian mourning etiquette was very strict and required the bereaved to wear plain black with no ornaments for the first year. After this came secondary mourning when ornaments might be introduced, so long as they were dark or black. French jet, a faceted form of black glass, was one of the most popular materials used for this purpose.

Size: 6½ ins h x 4 ins w (approx 16.5 cms x 10 cms) 

£50.00

Early 19th Century Pressed Natural Horn Mantilla Style Comb

Ref: AN-1301-028

Horn was one of the most popular materials for hair combs in the 19th century, not only because the material was cheap, but also because it could be easily treated to obtain a number of decorative effects. It could be dyed a range of colours and was most often dyed to resemble tortoiseshell

This high topped comb has been given a treatment by which it bears a resemblance to the demi-blonde form of tortoiseshell. Although tortoiseshell was the material of choice, it was very much more expensive than horn. Therefore it was customary to treat many horn combs with a series of dyes which attempted to simulate the mottled effect of natural tortoiseshell. The horn was first pressed under heat, which rendered its keratin structure virtually invisible and the horn translucent. It was then treated with various dyes to simulate the random mottling of tortoiseshell

Size: 5½ ins h x 5½ ins w (14 x 14 cms) 

£70.00