Created by

Black, Starr & Frost, American, founded 1810

Date

late 19th-early 20th century

Medium

silver, horsehair, and wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 2 x 1 3/4 x 6 in. (5.1 x 4.4 x 15.2 cm)

Description

Decorative silver handled brush. There is a monogrammed engraved "M" at the center of the handle. This brush consists of a comb holder and comb strips of bristles. It is an elongated oval or a rectangle with half circular short ends. The outer covering of the handle is sterling silver with an egg and dart pattern around the circumference of the upper ridge. The silver covers a wooden comb holder insert housing 1 ½” semi-stiff yellow horsehair bristles. The wood is covered in thin wood or plastic veneer with circular holes for the horsehair to pass through. The silver is adorned in repoussé floral scrollwork. A maker’s mark is stamped into the side that reads [BLACK STARR & FROST.] with a tiny falcon with its head turned to the proper right. Also stamped into the side is the text [STERLING 37]. The initials [MM] or [WW] are engraved on the top surface.

Place used

Orange County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Classification

Personal Effects and Items

Type

brushes

Topic

Domestic life

Families

Hair

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Clara Ellis Payne

Object number

2012.42.8.3

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd533ddce6e-5567-4128-8f32-ba3f7c066454