Faux tortoiseshell Spanish mantilla style hair comb from the Victorian era

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with accepted wear

 

SIZE: 5½ ins h x 4 ins w (14 x 10 cm) decorative part 2½ ins h (6 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE:  1870s – 1880s

 

MATERIALS: celluloid faux tortoiseshell

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

This handsome ornament is a classic mid to later Victorian hair comb in the Spanish mantilla style. It is made from celluloid faux tortoiseshell and moulded all in one piece. The high wedge shaped heading has a pierced border of fancy scroll work on all three sides.

 

This type of ornament is often known as Spanish or mantilla comb because it resembles a smaller version of the traditional large ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. These ornaments became modish after the debut of the opera Carmen in 1875 shocked Parisian audiences. The high topped combs remained in vogue for the following two decades and were placed high on the head in order to allow the beauty of their ornamental cresting to be admired.