A fine early Victorian diadem style hair comb with floral design

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 3½ ins h x 5½ ins w (9 x 14 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1840s – 1860s

MATERIALS: metal

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a very pretty diadem style hair comb which in design terms probably dates from the early to mid Victorian period.

The hair accessory is made from an antiqued silver tone coloured metal. It is deeply curved to fit the skull and this shows that it was intended to be a back comb, for wear at the rear of the dressing.

The final picture shows a collage of similar ornaments and illustrated the great variety of Victorian hair ornaments which were intended to decorate the back of the coiffure.

The comb has a curved heading which slopes sharply down at the outer corners. This heading is entirely covered by two rows small metal flower motifs. Each flower has five petals and appears to have been separately formed and applied to the base plate.

The comb has five metal tines to secure it in the hair and these are welded on at the back of the heading.