A handsome mid Victorian steer horn hair comb with pointed silhouette

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 5 ins h x 4 ins w (13 x 10 cm) decorative part 3 ins h (7.5 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1870s - 1880s

MATERIALS: steer horn

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a fine and typical mid Victorian hair comb made from natural steer horn which has been clarified and then dyed a deep honey or amber colour. The ornament is made in one piece, with the heading and tines all in one.

The pointed design which we see around the top of the heading is a favourite one at this period. Points and scallops were among the favorite ways of decorating the top of the heading in these high mantilla type combs.

The collage picture includes similar examples taken from contemporary photographic sources of the mid Victorian period, and shows the fashionable hair dressing of the day.