Description

A two-sided comb as seen documented in many sources and dug in campsites in all theaters of the war. This period design two-sided comb has one side with fine teeth and the other has wider teeth and spacing. (rather than the simple lice or “cootie” comb) Combination combs are well documented with the different teeth both side by side running a single length of a longer comb, and on opposite sides as seen on this shorter version. (see photo of original advertisement in an American publication c.1850s picturing this comb, center left. Still a bit larger and longer than the IRCC cootie comb) Appropriate for the Southern soldier, but certainly not restricted to him only. Label reads India Rubber, Gutta Percha, & Telegraph Works Company, London, Established 1850. The marking on the comb itself reflects the shortened version we have seen on their items when marked, dropping the “Telegraph Works”. Southern hard rubber producers were very rare, but imported rubber goods from this company made it through the blockade and at least two large shipments of hard rubber combs are listed in the manifests of ships cargo that successfully made it to Southern ports. IRGPW Company, Ltd. imported in the north throughout the prewar and wartime period so their products are equally at home on either side of the line. We are excited to offer again this correctly marked and labeled versatile personal item, an SoFS exclusive which we first introduced some 12 years ago. Consistent with our commitment to better represent the vast diversity of material culture of the era we rotate the items and makers we offer, this one has been on the shelf for a while and we are happy to bring it back.

OUR LABELS ARE PROPRIETARY AND PROTECTED. ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE WILL BE VIGOROUSLY PURSUED.