Black Fleur De Lys Mantilla Style Comb
Ref: AN-0909-007
This high topped black celluloid 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. It has a high heading adorned with a fleur de Lys motif set against open scrollwork. There was a fashion for combs of this type in the late 1870s after the debut of the opera Carmen and the style lasted until the end of the century in various guises. It was may have been worn for mourning.
Victorian etiquette was very strict and decreed that in deep mourning only dull dark materials like Whitby jet were allowed. However other dark materials such as black celluloid were often used as substitutes.
The final illustration is from a contemporary cabinet photograph and shows a Victorian lady from the 1870s wearing a tall pierced comb with her extremely elaborate hairstyle.
Size: 7¾ x 5½ ins (approx 19.5 x 14 cms)
£55.00
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