Butterfly Hair Combs Appraisal

Butterfly Hair Comb Pair

This is a pair of decorative hair combs, each featuring an intricately designed butterfly motif. The items appear to be constructed from a silver-toned metal, possibly sterling silver or a silver-plated alloy, exhibiting a dark, antique patina that accentuates the details of the butterfly wings. Each butterfly is rendered with textured wings that mimic the natural venation of an insect's wings, lending a realistic and delicate appearance. The bodies of the butterflies are also detailed. The combs themselves consist of five prongs each, with openwork designs that create a sense of lightness and allow for better grip within the hair. The overall color is a dull, oxidized silver, suggesting age or an intentional antiqued finish. There are no immediately visible maker's marks or signatures, which is common for functional hair accessories of certain eras. The style suggests a vintage or antique aesthetic, likely from the early to mid-20th century, though without hallmarks, this is an estimation. The condition appears good for its age, with a consistent patina across both pieces and no obvious signs of significant damage, bends, or missing components. The craftsmanship indicates a molded or cast metal technique, followed by an antiquing process to enhance the relief details. The overall quality appears to be acceptable; as a decorative hair accessory, its primary function is aesthetic appeal and hair securing.