Art Deco French Ivory Dragon Comb
probably USA

Ref: DE-0208-017

This spectacular Art Deco hair comb is typical of hair accessories made in the USA at this period. This attractive ornament dates from approximately 1910-1925 and is made in a synthetic substance called French ivory or sometimes Ivorene.

This was designed to substitute for genuine elephant ivory which was becoming an expensive luxury material by this period. The wide asymmetric shaped heading features a motif of a coiled dragon.

This is a typical design of the period when there was a taste for oriental motifs such as dragons, lotus flowers, and bamboo. Such combs were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides. This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period.

You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 8 x 6½ ins (approx 20 x 16 cms)

£60.00

Art Deco Faux Tortoiseshell Comb
made in Switzerland

Ref: DE-0208-018

This handsome faux tortoiseshell Art Deco hair comb is typical of hair accessories made at this period. This pretty ornament dates from approximately 1910-1925 and is backstamped Made in Switzerland on the back of the tines. It is made in celluloid faux tortoiseshell with a fan shaped openwork heading that features a number of radiating spokes or panels.

This is a typical design of the period and is generally known as the sunray pattern. The attractive openwork heading is completed on the outer border by swirled motifs which produce a scalloped profile. Such combs, which have a mantilla like appearance, were worn standing proud of the head at an acute angle so that they could be seen from all sides.

This feature is shown in many illustrations of the period and can be seen in the photograph on the mannequin.

You can read more about Art Deco combs in my several guides in the ARTICLES section.

Size: 6 x 4½ ins (approx 15 x 11 cms)

£30.00

Black Gothic Scrollwork Hair Comb

Ref: DE-0903-002

This is a handsome and somewhat gothic looking Spanish style comb whose heading takes a rounded curve. It is a variation of the iconic design whereby spokes or openwork lines or panels radiate outwards from the base of the heading.

This is a very typical motif in Art Deco combs, and in the art of the period. In this example the panels resemble the shape of palm leaves, indicating the popular influence of Egypt which permeates the Art Nouveau of the late 1930s.

The final picture is taken from a contemporary coloured postcard where the sitter wears a similar Spanish style hair comb.

Size: 6½ x 5¼ ins (approx 16.5 x 14 cms)

£40.00

Faux Tortoiseshell Bandeau Style Hair Comb with Gilded Flowers

Ref: DE-1401-004

This style of comb is often called a bandeau comb because of its wide shallow heading, which encircled the back of the head. These combs were greatly favoured in an era when women cut their hair short, but might wish to add a postiche or false piece to provide a more glamorous appearance for evening or formal occasions.

This large comb is made in celluloid faux tortoiseshell with a wide curved heading. Typically such combs are much wider than they are high, and are usually decorated in some way along the top of the heading. This one has a narrow border with a gilded floral design whose elements are reminiscent of Mackintosh roses.

Size: 2 ins h x 6¼ ins w (5 x 16 cms)

£100.00

Egyptian Revival Hair Comb with Multi Coloured Enamel and Rhinestones

Ref: DE-1401-006

This unusual comb and very beautiful hair comb is an excellent example of how the Egyptian Revival movement was interpreted for the popular taste. The base material is French ivory with a tall oval heading supporting. The central panel incorporates the iconic sunray motif, in which blade like shapes arise from the base and radiate outwards. This is surrounded by a deep border with graduated arch shapes.

The surface of the comb is decorated in red, blue orange and green enamel combined with gilding. This brilliant effect is further enriched with rhinestones in blue, green red and amber. The colours used – deep blue, red, dark green and gold, are typical of ancient Egyptian tomb paintings and give the comb its Egyptian look.

The Oriental theme in costume and ornament was very strong in the opening years of the 20th century. This taste for the exotic was given a fresh impetus by the discovery of the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamen in 1922. There was no attempt to reproduce genuine Egyptian ornaments, and the designs were a pastiche featuring Egyptian type motifs such as scarab beetles or the heads of pharaohs, or featuring typical Egyptian materials such as faux turquoise, coral or lapis lazuli.

Size: 6 ½ ins h x 3 ½ ins w (16 x 9 cms)

£150.00