Antique Vintage Nouveau Sterling Silver & Silver Plated Hair Curling Iron 37.1g

Description

We have similar Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Nouveau" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings:
"Sterling" on the handle, tested, and guaranteed
Main Stone:
--
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Accent Stone:
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Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
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Stone Treatment:
--
Stone Cuts:
--
Item Measurements:
Total length:
7.5"
Handle length:
4.06"
Handle width
: 0.27" to 0.62"
Tong width:
0.25" to 0.80"
Men's or Women's:
Unisex
Notable Features:
handmade during the Art Nouveau era in the Rococo style
created as a hair curling iron, popular in the 1890s as curled bang hairstyles became fashionable
this iron would have been heated over an oil lamp at one's vanity table
composed of a .925 sterling silver handle with .925 sterling silver plated over base metal curling tongs
the handle contains a repousse design of swirling foliate motifs
this handle also features space for a monogram to be added by your local jeweler, if desired
the tongs are separated via a hinge, and contain a handle with a resin backing
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. There is tarnish to the sterling silver in some areas of the handle, as well as several minor dents and scratches to the handle. There is wear, areas of rust, and tarnish to the sterling silver plated over base metal tongs, as well as wear and crazing to the resin accent. The price of this item has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.”  This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
The late Baroque or Rococo period prevailed in the 18th century. The period was known for its substantial use of asymmetrical designs, curves, gold, and witty, whimsical themes. Both men and women at court wore sparkling gemstones set in gold during this period, as well as colorless glass pastes and pearls. Colored gems were often highly foiled behind them to enhance the depth of color. Jewelry was often created with naturalistic, floral designs. Rococo jewelry also featured embossed and engraved floral and feather designs on metal.
Repoussé began as an ancient metalworking technique dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, involving malleable metal that was hammered onto the reverse side to create an image on the front. Examples are found all over the world; Greece, Egypt, and even the Hopewell periods in the American southeast. Reverse side hammering was also used to add detail to the front, creating intricate patterns using grooves, indentations, and channeling. The piece was then carefully polished to create a hollow, eye-catching treasure.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day
of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us
to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
PayPal only. After 4 days of non-payment, an automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.