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Antique Celluloid Eagle Hair Comb – c. 1910–1925
Striking antique black celluloid ornamental back comb featuring an incised spread-wing eagle design accented with individually inset colored and clear glass stones.
The eagle spans the broad curved heading of the comb, with a red glass stone forming the eye and additional green, amber/brown and clear stones arranged throughout the decoration. Fine engraved/incised lines add feather and decorative detailing across the surface.
This style is associated with the late Edwardian through early Art Deco era. Specialist hair-comb references document North American eagle-motif combs of the period, including rhinestone examples circa 1910 and a celluloid eagle-motif comb circa 1920.
The comb is unmarked, so no specific maker or country of manufacture is being attributed.
Dimensions & Weights: Approximately 4½” wide
Good antique condition with expected surface scratching, rubbing and age-related wear. The comb teeth appear intact in the photographs. The engraved decoration shows age-related wear and variation.
Multiple original-looking inset glass stones remain present in clear, green, amber/brown and red tones. Stones show age and varying clarity. Please examine all photographs closely for exact stone count, placement and condition.
The black body was tested visually with strong backlighting and remained opaque. Based on its appearance, construction and period, the material is believed to be celluloid; it has not been laboratory tested.
A beautiful and unusual surviving early 20th-century decorative hair comb with strong eagle / Americana collector appeal.