Featured Amber bead and horn(?) hair comb

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by Bookahtoo, Sep 18, 2023.

  1. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    I'm sorry if I've posted this before...

    I am assuming these are amber beads. I bought a UV flashlight but apparently I don't know how to use it properly. Would someone be willing to give me a quick rundown?

    This measures about 4" tall and 2 3/4" across the top. There is a hinge between the top and the bottom. I don't think the bottom is celluloid - no smell when I run it under hot water, so I think horn? It is stamped * C. A. W. * on the top. Would this be a factory mark?

    Thanks for any help or comments.

    smallerIMG_3820.jpg

    smallerIMG_3829.jpg

    smallerIMG_3823-crop.jpg
     
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  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Very nice, Book.
    Ditto. The comb part could also be celluloid. Old celluloid can get those hairlines.
    Make sure the amber is in a dark place and against a dark background. (I usually hold it under my desk) Then shine the UV lamp on it. The amber should change colour, and often changes from translucent to opaque as well.

    In this case I would expect it to look opaque yellowish with a fuchsia hue in places. Possibly some purplish blue as well.
    Good luck!:)
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2023
  3. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    Thanks AJ! I ran and did it before I even answered you. Then I had to do the beads I showed you last week.

    What do you think?

    IMG_3836.jpg
     
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  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Of course you did!:playful:
    Perfect, real amber.:woot::woot::woot:
     
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  5. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    Thanks! I've had this for years - No one at my store would ever buy it so I'm putting it on ebay.
     
  6. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    it's decidedly delicious ..........have u tried it on ??
     
  7. Satin In A Coffin

    Satin In A Coffin Well-Known Member

    So pretty! I would think the initials are those of the first owner. It was probably a precious gift from someone who loved her. I've never seen one with amber like this.
     
  8. J Dagger

    J Dagger Well-Known Member

    I just bought a hinged one. I was wondering why the hinges? C9C6F52D-DC36-47BD-9BD3-7AACFED1D281.jpeg 55AC3C47-EFD1-4150-8657-6121AC9760A9.jpeg
     
  9. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    I think you lift the hinge, stick the comb into your hair and push down as far as you can, then fold the top over. It would hold it more securely in position in your hair.
     
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  10. J Dagger

    J Dagger Well-Known Member

    That sounds like a good explanation to me
     
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  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    you can make ' Book' on that !!
     
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  12. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Is it appropriate for me to ask your username? Should I do that by PM? Thanks!
     
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  13. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    It's the same as on here. :)
     
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  14. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

  15. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    Hey - you can PM me if you want. ;)
     
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  16. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Forgot to add, the UV test also shows that the comb part is indeed horn.:)
     
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  17. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    Thanks Aj. Is that because the bottom of the comb looked opaque with the UV?
     
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  18. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    I found a C.A.W. Crosby & Son Jewelers on Washington St. in Boston from around 1890 - 1902. They made jewelry and watches.
     
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  19. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Yes, and also yellowish, just like the amber. Different amber colours fluoresce differently, but cognac and related colours fluoresces like yours.

    Bone and ivory also fluoresce btw, so you can use your UV lamp on any organic material.
    (And become addicted to UV testing, just like us joolies.:playful:)
     
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  20. Bookahtoo

    Bookahtoo Moderator Moderator

    I listed it - for the BIN price that one just like it recently sold for - $149.99. I was surprised to see one sold for that much. Let's hope. :)
     
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