A set of four ball shaped white metal filigree hair pins from the late Victorian period

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 3½ ins h x 1/2 ins w (9 x 2 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1890s – 1900s

MATERIALS: silver tone metal, these items have been acid tested at a lower grade silver content than sterling

DESCRIPTION:

With the turn of the 20th century softer and more feminine hair styles became fashionable which encouraged the use of smaller and lighter hair accessories than hitherto. Those made of filigree or with a light and airy appearance, were the most popular.

These pretty little ball topped hair pins are excellent examples of the smaller and lighter hair accessories which became fashionable in the period. They each have two prongs to hold them in position. The designs are not identical but they can work as a set and look attractive placed along a classic French pleat.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Simple two pronged combs such as these were made in pairs, or sometimes with a larger matching comb. They were worn throughout the 19th and early 20th century. They could perform both an ornamental and a useful function, being used to hold the elaborate coiffures of the day in place as well as to adorn the hair.