A pretty mantilla style Victorian hair comb with engraved formal decoration

 

CONDITION: some wear to engraving otherwise good vintage condition with expected wear

 

SIZE: 5¼ ins h x 3 ins w (13.5 x 7.5 cm) decorative part 3 ins h (7.5 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1890s – 1900s

 

MATERIALS: celluloid faux tortoiseshell

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

Here is a pretty Spanish style hair ornament made in celluloid faux tortoiseshell. It dates from the late Victorian period. The comb has a high wedge shaped heading which is engraved with a classic formalised design. This has been in-filled with white pigment to emphasize the lines and is further embellished with clear rhinestones.

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