Hair Comb

Charles Goodyear|India Rubber Comb Company

ca. 1851 · Vulcanite (India rubber and sulfur) · The American Wing

This hair-comb is made of vulcanite (India rubber that has been treated with sulfur), and features an applied border in the shape of a seven-link chain atop a six-tooth comb. The back of the piece is marked "I.R. COMB CO GOODYEAR 1851." The process of vulcanizing rubber was discovered by Charles Goodyear and patented in 1844. By the 1850s vulcanite had become a popular substitute for more expensive materials such as tortoiseshell or jet and was frequently used by American jewelers and accessory makers.

Artist

Charles Goodyear|India Rubber Comb Company

Date

ca. 1851

Medium

Vulcanite (India rubber and sulfur)

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2000