The Daphne Hair Comb: A Collector’s Guide to a Forgotten British Treasure

On a damp Saturday at a Portobello Road stall, I spotted a tortoiseshell-coloured comb with a tiny engraved flower and the word “Daphne” on the reverse. The seller shrugged; she thought it was just a pretty trinket. But that comb – part of a little-known British production series from the 1950s – is exactly the kind of piece that makes a collector’s patience pay off. The Daphne line (a set of hair combs and barrettes produced by a small London-based manufacturer) blends Edwardian elegance with mid-century manufacturing ingenuity, and is still easy to find if you know where to look.

The Origins of the Daphne Series

Unlike the mass-produced hair accessories that flooded British department stores after the war, the Daphne series came from a workshop founded by a former apprentice of the famed Leek & Son comb-makers. Production started around 1952 and ran into the early 1970s. The name “Daphne” was chosen to evoke the mythological nymph who turned into a laurel tree – a nod to the organic, leaf-like shapes of many combs. Each piece was hand-finished, with the Daphne stamp pressed into the back of the base. The series never reached the fame of the Bertha comb or the Buttercups barrettes, but among connoisseurs of British hair accessories, it’s prized for its refined proportions and durable materials.

Design and Materials

The Daphne line includes three main silhouettes:

• Classic French bend comb – curved to fit the crown, with five to seven teeth, often decorated with a single carved flower or a geometric line.
• Side barrette – a flat, hinged clip with a spring mechanism, available in two sizes (2.5 and 3.5 inches).
• Mini accent comb – a small three-tooth comb designed to hold back a section of hair, often sold in pairs.

Materials vary by production year. Early Daphne pieces (1952–1960) were made from high-quality celluloid in tortoiseshell, black, and ivory. Later runs used a cellulose acetate that is less prone to yellowing. A small number of special-edition combs were produced in bakelite, but these are rare and command higher prices. The metal springs in the barrettes are always nickel-plated brass, and the hinges are riveted – a sign of quality that distinguishes genuine Daphne pieces from later copies.

Identifying an Authentic Daphne

Because the Daphne name isn’t widely known, fakes are uncommon, but reproductions do exist. Here are the key markers to check:

• The stamp – genuine pieces have “Daphne” in a serif font, with a small leaf symbol above the letter ‘D’. The stamp is recessed, never embossed.
• Tooth spacing – on the combs, the teeth are evenly spaced and the tips are rounded, not sharp. Reproduction combs often have uneven gaps.
• Weight – celluloid Daphne combs feel substantial but not heavy; acetate versions are slightly lighter. If a piece feels like brittle plastic, it’s not original.
• Patina – authentic Daphne pieces develop a warm, mellow surface over decades. Look for tiny hairline cracks near the teeth (a sign of age, not damage) and a gentle sheen from handling.

For a deeper look at how colour variations affect value, see our collector’s guide to the Buttercups Midi Colors 5 – the same principles of rarity and shade consistency apply to Daphne combs.

Styling Daphne Today

The appeal of Daphne accessories lies in their understatement. A single French bend comb worn at the nape of the neck adds instant polish to a simple cashmere jumper and wide-leg trousers. The side barrettes work beautifully with a sleek low ponytail or a half-up twist. Because the colours are neutral (tortoiseshell, black, ivory), they pair effortlessly with both vintage and modern wardrobes. For a more playful look, mix a Daphne mini comb with a silk scarf tied around a bun – the contrast of textures feels very current. Just let the comb do the talking – skip the big earrings or a bold necklace.

Care and Preservation

Celluloid and cellulose acetate are sensitive to heat and humidity. Never leave a Daphne comb in direct sunlight or near a radiator. To clean, wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth – no water, no polish. If the comb has lost its shine, a very light application of beeswax (rubbed on with a fingertip and buffed immediately) can restore a subtle lustre. Store combs flat in a padded box, separated by tissue paper, to prevent scratches. For barrettes, keep the spring mechanism dry; if it becomes stiff, a tiny drop of sewing-machine oil on the hinge (wiped clean after) will keep it moving smoothly.

Don’t overlook the Daphne No. 7 side barrette – it features a unique double-hinged clasp that allows the clip to open wider than standard models. If you find one with the No. 7 stamp, grab it – it’s the most versatile piece in the series and works beautifully on thick or curly hair.