French high back comb

Top view of a comb showing the orante header. Top view of a comb showing the orante header. Underside view of a comb showing the orante header. Underside view of a comb showing the orante header. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape.
Top view of a comb showing the orante header. Top view of a comb showing the orante header. Underside view of a comb showing the orante header. Underside view of a comb showing the orante header. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape. Side view of a comb showing the curved shape.

Description

A celluloid high back comb of French origin, circa 1920, depicting the fleur-de-lys motif surrounded by arabesque scrolling decoration. It is coloured translucent yellow and brown to resemble tortoiseshell and is stamped on the reverse of the outer tine with a diamond mark containing the dollar sign and the word 'ininflammable'. The diamond mark indicates that it was probably made for the US market and the word 'ininflammable' a marketing ploy by the manufacturers wishing to reassure customers that the material from which the comb is made is less flammable and therefore safer than other celluloid nitrate combs.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Manufacturer

Inscriptions

stamped: "dollar sign in diamond and 'ininflammable'" (reverse side of outer tine)

Object number

AIBDC : 007019

Date

1920 (circa)

Country

Dimensions
Width
150mm
Height
2100mm
Depth
25mm

Colour

streaked with brown to resemble tortoiseshell