A goldsmith's artistry, so elegant, is set atop a fine mid-19th century 5 1/2" long hair comb, ornamental, tiara, onto which a 4mm diamond has been mounted, prong set. More jewelry than comb, it survives 170 or so years in beautiful form. Steam molded tortoise shell arches in 2 ways to hug the head in wear and to display the 7/8" tall crest to best advantage. C.1850-70, I think of these as French, but would then expect the gold top to have a tiny poincon, punch mark in form of an eagle's head profile and to test at 18k. But it is 14k, (acid tested). The addition of a diamond of 4mm, nicely facet-cut and prong-mounted is icing on the cake, so to speak. Beautiful, isn't it. My guess, a Victorian Grand Tour souvenir, c.1850s.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Largely perfect, it does have a couple of minuscule nips, a few very light surface abrasions to show for it's long long life. No warping, ready to wear. Perhaps the "something old" for a very special bride. Please don't ask me to weigh the gold. I can't detach it from the comb. It is solid, however, and beautifully crafted as you can see. Measurements in full are noted on our photos.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
