Two pretty Edwardian hair combs with hinge and rhinestone trim

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with acceptable wear

 

APPROXIMATE DATE:  1900 – 1910s

 

MATERIALS: metal, steer horn, rhinestones

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

Here are two very pretty Edwardian period hair combs which dates from around the turn of the 20^th century. Both have prongs of steer horn dyed to resemble tortoiseshell. The decorative headings with their prong set clear rhinestones are attached to the heading comb mount by a rotating hinge. The hinge allows the top to be rotated through 360 degrees as shown in the photographs. This means the ornament can be worn in the back or side as well as the front of the hair style making it a very flexible hair accessory.

 

One comb is styled as a horse shoe and the other as a star and crescent moon. These “lucky^ motifs were very popular at this time when there was a vogue for so called sentimental jewellery.  They are an excellent example of the smaller and daintier hair accessories which were in fashion in the first few years of the 20^th century. The collage picture shows some examples from contemporary fashion illustrations and the hair styles with which they were worn.

 

#1 comb with rectangular top measures 4 ins h x 1¼ ins w (10 x 3 cm)

 

#2 comb with curved top measures 4½ ins h x 1¼ ins w (11 x 3 cm)