Demand Holds Strong for Good Quality Decorative Combs

Question: My grandmother left me several decorative combs that undoubtedly were worn as fashion items. Is there much collector demand for such things?--A.F.

Answer: There is definite collector demand for fine combs, but they must be in good condition. High prices have been paid for quality 18th- and 19th-Century combs carved from tortoise shell, bone, ivory and silver.

Such combs, popular as fashion statements through the 1920s, were often coveted as jewelry. But these beautifully designed combs are hard to find and generally carry high prices. Such combs are often family heirlooms and are passed from generation to generation.

Celluloid combs may have considerable value. Celluloid products began appearing on the U. S. market shortly after the Civil War, and celluloid combs soon became popular. Collectors say the value of such combs depends on how creative the artist was.

For example, some celluloid combs sold during the early part of this century contained colorful rhinestones. Those shaped like open fans are also prized by collectors.

However, veteran collectors warn that some carefully crafted celluloid combs may closely resemble tortoise shell and ivory and may be sold at high prices to unwary collectors. Combs that have a “machine look”--those that appear too uniform in design--should be viewed with suspicion if they’re being passed off as tortoise shell and ivory. Invariably, the latter combs were handmade, which meant that their teeth almost certainly were uneven.

An additional word of caution from collectors: Be wary of purchasing damaged combs, particularly if some teeth are missing or if there are obvious cracks. Condition means a lot in this field.

Bookshelf

For collectors of Peanuts items, there’s a new book, titled “The Official Price Guide to Peanuts Collectibles,” by Freddi Margolin and Andrea Podley (House of Collectibles, 201 E. 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10022; paperback, 317 pages, indexed, $9.95). The just-published book should be on bookstore shelves now.

In addition to what’s available--ranging from Peanuts advertising items to dolls and toys, plus their estimated price ranges--the book includes some valuable tips on collecting. One of the most important sections deals with copyright information. According to the authors, “copyright lines can be misleading. Never assume that the year in the copyright line is the year the product came out. Rather, it’s the year that the character ‘came out’ (was first published), at least in that particular incarnation.

“Let’s take an example: Charlie Brown first appeared in the Peanuts comic strip in 1950 and he hasn’t changed much since. A product using Charlie Brown will carry a 1950 copyright even if it was first produced in 1989.”

On authenticating Peanuts collectibles, the authors underscore that “somewhere on every item, no matter how small, there will be a line with a copyright date followed by the words ‘United Feature Syndicate Inc.’. . . . If in doubt, don’t buy it.”

Co-author Podley, founder and president of the Peanuts Collectors’ Club, which has about 200 members, will answer readers’ questions about the book or club. Write to her at P.O. Box 94, North Hollywood, Calif. 91603.

Can Charles M. Schulz’s lovable creations already be four decades old? They are. “The 40 years have come and gone, yet the characters make us feel so young,” write the authors.

Datebook

An animation art auction, including several items from the studio of Walt Disney, is scheduled for Monday at the Burbank Hilton, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank. For further information, write or telephone Howard Lowery, 3818 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, Calif. 91505, (818) 972-9080.