Antique Edwardian Amber Celluloid Hair Comb Blue Rhinestones c1900 6.25” For Sale

Beautiful antique ornamental hair comb dating to the late Victorian/Edwardian era, circa 1900.

Made of somewhat translucent amber-colored celluloid, the comb has an elaborate fan-shaped pierced design featuring flowers, scrolling foliage and radiating leaves.

Seven dark blue rhinestones are set into small flowers around the outer arch, adding a striking contrast to the warm amber color.

This was the type of large decorative back comb worn with the elaborate upswept hairstyles fashionable around the turn of the 20th century.

MUSEUM COMPARABLE

An interesting documented comparison can be found in the University of New Hampshire’s Irma G. Bowen Historic Clothing Collection.

UNH catalogs a similar fan-shaped amber-colored celluloid hair comb decorated with blue rhinestones as Early 1900s.

The UNH example is not identical to this comb, but its similar material, form and blue rhinestone decoration provide a useful period comparison.

MEASUREMENTS

Overall length: 6.25”

Decorative arched section:

5.5” wide x 3” high

Comb teeth:

3” long

Five teeth.

Seven dark blue rhinestones.

CONDITION

Very good antique condition for its age.

All five comb teeth are intact.

All seven blue rhinestones are present.

There is expected light surface wear and patina consistent with age.

Please enlarge and examine the photographs, as they are an important part of the condition description.

A particularly decorative example of a turn-of-the-century celluloid hair comb, with beautiful openwork floral detailing and jewel-like blue accents.

REFERENCE

University of New Hampshire

Irma G. Bowen Historic Clothing Collection

Museum No. 428c — Early 1900s amber-colored celluloid comb with blue rhinestones.