A pretty matched pair of Edwardian or late Victorian rhinestone trim hair pins

CONDITION: good vintage condition with acceptable wear

SIZE: 4 ins h x 1 ins w (10 x 2.5 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1890s – 1900s

MATERIALS: celluloid, rhinestones

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a nice quality pair of Edwardian or late Victorian hair pins which would be ideal for a re-enactor to create the period style. They could equally be worn in a modern up do to add a touch of glamour.

They each have two tines celluloid faux tortoiseshell and a heading of gilded metal in a simple classic style decorated with clear rhinestone trim. The stones are prong set, not simply glued in. Also each tine has been separately set into a small brass collar attached to the heading.

The final picture is taken from contemporary fashion illustrations and shows the hair accessories and hair dressing of the period.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Simple two pronged hair accessories like these are characteristically made in one solid piece of the material, which might be horn, tortoiseshell, or some synthetic like celluloid. They usually have only one or two tines and their top or heading in a simple shape such as a horseshoe or rectangle, sometimes with the addition of rhinestones or a little openwork decoration.

Combs such as there were made in pairs and sets of four and 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. The plainer ones are more likely to have been used simply to hold the style.