Antiuque 4.75" Long French Tortoise Shell Ornamental Hair Comb, Pick, Tiara, 12k Gold Pique - Tortoiseshell

From c.1830-60, this elegant and unique large hair ornament survives in superb form. The softened natural tortoise shell has been twisted, hardened and a myriad of tiny 12k gold pins inserted (pique) to add interest to the form, and to capture light. The size of it makes it impressive and rare, as well. It is nearly 5" long and almost 2" widest. Brilliant topper for your chignon or upswept long hair. 

Very good to excellent condition, not a single flaw to note unless perhaps a tiny gold pin may have gone missing. The overall impact on this one is superb. That's about a .25" diameter moulded length. The shell must have been enormous.  Remember, these were created nearly 200 years ago, were at their height of fashion in the early to mid-Victorian era, and Napoleon III era, France. This one is a museum quality piece! Very like fine jewelry, timeless in appeal. Yes, you'll want to wear it!

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.