This is one of a series of themed sales featuring combs and hair accessories produced during the Art Deco period of the early 20th century.

This sale is for an early 20th century mantilla style hair comb in Ivorene.

SIZE: 5½ x 3 ins.

CONDITION: good vintage condition, no visible issues.

DESCRIPTION: a handsome Ivorene mantilla style hair comb dating from the early 20th century. By this period genuine natural materials had become very expensive. Therefore most of the hair ornaments which appear to be made of genuine endangered species are, in fact, made from a synthetic known as Ivorene. This one has a tall wedge shaped heading with an attractive openwork design.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

These Spanish style combs were worn in a characteristic manner, being placed in the side or back of the hairdressing at an acute angle, and in such a way that the tall heading stood up proud. This enabled the often beautiful openwork decoration or the decorative effect which had been applied to the material, to be viewed from all angles, and for the details to be seen effectively outlined against the light.

This manner of wearing the decorative comb is shown in the accompanying photographs on the mannequin and in picture 9. This is taken from a contemporary magazine illustration and shows Spanish style hair combs of similar design.