French Jet and Black Celluloid Mourning Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1301-005

This handsome comb may well have been worn for mourning, which was an important social custom in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Etiquette forbad any personal ornaments save those from dull dark colours. The material of choice was Whitby jet, but French jet, dyed horn and black celluloid were also used.

French jet is a glittering form of black glass which has nothing to do with France, but was produced mainly in Bohemia, now part of modern Czechoslovakia, in the late 19th and early 20th century when it was extremely popular for jewellery making. In this comb it is incorporated in the form of black “rhinestones” which are set into a frame of black celluloid. The beautiful asymmetric design has a lively sense of movement and shows some Art Nouveau influence.

This comb is of the type known as a Spanish or mantilla comb because it resembles the traditional ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. These tall mantilla style headings became popular in the 1870s due to the debut of Bizet’s opera Carmen in 1875. Early performances scandalised audiences but it quickly became one of the most popular operas in the world with a significance fashion influence.

Size: 6 ins h x 4 ins w (15 x 10 cms) 

£60.00

Victorian Mantilla Style Faux Tortoiseshell Hair Comb

Ref: AN-1301-011

This is a classic form of high topped comb which was popular in the mid Victorian period. It is made from a solid piece of celluloid faux tortoiseshell with the tines all in one with the heading. The latter has been nicely marked to resemble genuine tortoiseshell. Combs like this were worn as shown in the final picture which is taken from a late Victorian photograph.

This comb is of the type known as a Spanish or mantilla comb because it resembles the traditional ornaments worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. The use of the tall Spanish comb has a very long history of use throughout the 19th century and has never been out of fashion in Spain.

Size: 7 ins h x 4½ ins w (18 x 11 cms) 

£50.00