A pretty Art Deco hair comb with swirled effect design

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 3 ins h x 4½ ins (7.5 x 11 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1910s – 1920s

MATERIALS: celluloid, rhinestones

DESCRIPTION:

Here is an attractive celluloid back comb which dates from the early Art Deco period. It is made in an asymmetric styling and from material with an unusual glazed or pearlized effect which shades to a lighter colour on the tips of the tines.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

A back comb is a type of hair ornament which is specifically designed to be worn on the rear of the dressing. It is deeply curved on the horizontal plane to fit comfortably against the curve of the skull. Such combs are usually wider than they are high, their primary purpose being to support and ornament an up do. They are usually finished along the top of the heading with some form of decoration. This may take the form of an openwork panel, or of a metal framework set with real or imitation jewels which is attached to the ground material.

The collage picture shows a selection of illustrations taken from contemporary sources which depict similar ornaments and the hair styles with which they were worn.