A large and handsome Spanish mantilla comb in celluloid faux tortoiseshell

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 7½ ins h x 4 ins w (9 x 10 cm) decorative part 4 ins h (10 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1890s - 1900s

MATERIALS: celluloid faux tortoiseshell

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a large Spanish style in celluloid faux tortoiseshell and probably dating from the late Victorian period. It has a high wedge shaped heading with a curved upper border. The fluid and swirling lines of the openwork design show some watered down Art Nouveau influence.

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.

The collage photograph shows some examples of similar hair accessories taken from contemporary illustrative sources and reveals the manner in which they were worn.