So why am I doing this?
Because most people consider hair combs to be the miscellaneous throwaway items of estate sales. They are not. They are serious works of art, made by the greatest artists of all periods in all cultures. My blog talks how they follow the philosophy and other art forms of their time.
11 Responses to "So why am I doing this?"
February 4, 2010 at 6:58 pm
I need help with what I think is an important art noveau designed tortoise, gold, diamond and ruby hair comb in the original box by HOF & KAMMER jewelers for A.E.KOCHERT in Vienna. This one made around 1900. It is one of the finest Viennese Art Nouveau examples that I have seen. One of the four prongs is broken off and I am not sure if it can be restored or if it should be left alone. I can send jpg if you would like. Really need an opinion on what to do about the broken prong I am told it can be carved and pinned back but I am also told that less is better and it should be left alone. Any help or ideas would be appreciated.
February 20, 2010 at 1:14 am
Yippee! I found you at last!! You disappeared for a while, then the eBay blogs dried up and *poof* – gone!
The world of the comb is getting nuts on eBay, for some reason. So it’s nice to find a place where reasonable obsession is understood and passions shared and get the info on these fine hair jewels from someone who understands them.
Also would love to find some cool styles in which to wear the combs. I purchase combs that I love, but I also use them. Have you any recommendations for sites that have interesting styles for someone with very long hair (but no skill to speak of?)?!
Peggy E.
Door County, WI
March 3, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I recommend Longlocks Hairsticks because Susan is a great artist. http://www.longlocks.com. For the antique combs themselves, you just have to look online or travel to find them. They are not a commodity. For modern barettes, hairpins, combs that continue the couture of Lalique and Bonaz, I recommend http://www.alexandredeparis-accessories.com/en/. There is a store on Madison Ave. The manager’s name is Jovy. Her number is 212 717 2122. They are expensive though! 
Susan’s hair sticks are about $100 a pair, and the antique combs go for whatever they go for, depending on demand, rarity, signature, condition, material, etc. Thanks for finding me! Welcome.
March 24, 2010 at 5:38 pm
HI,
I’m a writer working on a book about plastics and one of the things I’m looking is the rise of plastic (mainly celluloid) combs. Would you be free for a phone interview?
best,
Susan
March 31, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Of course I’d be available for a phone interview. I could also put you in touch with other people, who know more than I do. Write to me at barbara@panix.com, and I’ll give you my phone number in private.
February 24, 2010 at 9:42 pm
I found your blog while looking up kanzashi, and couldn’t look away from all the other beautiful combs. Lovely!
May 19, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Any thought on these Origin, circa etc TIA bradtyler at America on Line
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October 12, 2009 at 9:06 am
hi barbara,
i was wondering if i could send you a couple pictures of my favorite combs from my collection, and if you would tell me anything you might know about them? i would never dream of selling them, but i’ve always wanted to know what time period they might be from, or what area in the world they may have come from. thank you.
sincerely,
kelly
October 12, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Of course! My email is websociology@yahoo.com. Send ‘em on down! I’ll tell you what I can. Whatever I don’t know. I know people who have been collecting for 30+ years, and they’ll know.