Description

Some years ago we had the privilege of examining a package of period wood combs in unused condition, still partially bound in their original bulk wrapper. The package was attributed to a New Orleans warehouse/store in business before, during, and after the war. The origin of the combs, as to whether they were domestically produced or goods from a blockade run was not determinable. We have here faithfully reproduced this comb in it’s size, permanent markings, and construction style with our customary attention down to the smallest detail. The original combs were made in bulk and appeared to have been cut in wedge shape, possibly two combs per block of wood. The teeth had one side that was unfinished and cut in from the face of the rest of the comb, likely also a result of the some bulk cutting process. (we have examined other combs that were even more crudely done like this – actually split apart above the teeth, originally with the teeth facing each other, rather than cut into two combs more cleanly and then finished) The entire rest of the comb body was finished with a light varnish suggesting the unfinished part of the face was a result of a final manufacturing step – all of the combs in the original package were identical in this feature. The only marking on the comb was the number “5” on the center of one side of the face, likely denoting the size – 5 inches. This comb is a faithful reproduction of this southern attributed comb, completely hand finished in every detail, including the cuts, finish, size and shape, and stamped number, and, also bears the promotional label of a documented wartime New Orleans dealer in goods and clothing. (many, if not most, labels during the period were from dealers – not the actual makers – especially such items often distributed as promotional advertisement) We are very happy to have finally produced this comb, a somewhat labor intensive process to get all of the original features and a project on the back burner for a couple decades. Here is a fine and historically accurate alternative to the cookie cutter third world souvenir wood combs which dominate the market today.