Another wonderful hand cut tortoise comb from the early to mid 1800’s and trimmed in 14K gold with a flower and leaf design. The alloy in gold used in Mexico in the early to mid 1800’s had a high copper content which gives the gold a very beautiful rose gold color which glistens in the light. This comb was made completely by hand and when you look closely at the teeth, you can see the irregularity. No doubt this comb came from a wealthy family as a comb such as this certainly wouldn’t be in a possession of the average Mexican woman during this time period. Tortoise shell comes from the hawksbill turtle and is endangered which makes owning a real tortoise shell comb that much more of a treasure. Tortoise shell varies from mottled brown, yellow, to dark brown. The advantage of using tortoiseshell is that the shell could be made moldable by heating and as the piece cooled, it would harden and take its new shape. The gold band measures ½ inches wide. The comb itself is 4 5/8 inches wide and is 2 1/8 inches long.