Wedge shaped silver metal hair comb Spanish style hair accessory

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

SIZE: 5 ins h x 5 ins w decorative part 2 ¼ ins h

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1870s – 1880s

MATERIALS: silver plate

DESCRIPTION:

This hair comb was purchased from a private collection of museum quality hair accessories and jewellery and is fresh to the market.

Here we have a large and handsome silver hair comb which dates from the mid to later Victorian period.

It has a high wedge shaped heading decorated with brite cut engraving and having a gently scalloped top profile. Brite (or bright) cut is a type of decorative engraving used on metal objects, especially those made of silver. The decorative designs are created by making a series of short cuts into the metal, using a polished engraving tool that causes the exposed surfaces to reflect light and give an impression of brightness.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

This comb is of a type which is generally called Spanish style because it has a high upstanding top piece or heading reminiscent of the beautiful combs worn by Spanish ladies with their native dress. Ornaments like these are placed high on the head in such a manner as to show off their beautiful designs and render them visible from all angles.

The final picture is taken from a series of contemporary fashion photos which illustrate the fashionable hair dressing and the hair accessories of the period.