An attractive Art Deco amber celluloid hair comb with a floral design

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition

 

SIZE: 6 ins h x 5 ins w (15 x 13 cm) decorative part 3 ins h (7.5 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1910s – 1920s

 

MATERIALS: celluloid, rhinestones

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

Here is a handsome comb from the Art Deco period ornamented with three large floral shapes in the asymmetric design.

 

The comb has been manufactured in two distinct shades of celluloid. This is a decorative effect known as “celluloid overlay” where one colour is laid over a contrasting one during the production process. Here, a foundation of translucent amber has been given an upper coating of glossy warm brown which is opaque. This creates an interesting two toned topography when the upper coating is cut through to show the lower. Here the effect can be seen most clearly on the edges of the openwork design which occupies the heading and the tips of the tines.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:

 

The collage photograph shows illustrations taken from contemporary sources and depicts similar ornaments, showing how they were placed in the hair styles of the day.

 

This type of ornament is often known as Spanish or mantilla comb because it resembles a smaller version of the traditional large shell ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. In practice any comb which has a high upstanding heading or top which stands proud of the top of the head is often called a mantilla comb.