Hello, museum professional here! I have quite a bit of experience dealing with celluloid objects (both stable and unstable), including antique combs. I have some tips to help you keep all your combs around for as long as possible. Apologies in advance for the long post. Hopefully folks will find it helpful. 1. Low relative humidity to slow degradation. Since you live in Colorado, this shouldn't be a problem for you. But for people who live in places with higher humidity, silica desiccant packets are a great low-cost option for lowering the relative humidity. 2. Low temperature to slow the rate of deterioration, crystallization, and off-gassing . Keep it at room temperature or below and in a place that the temperature isn't going to fluctuate. 3. Store in a well ventilated area. Don't store it in contact with air vent or radiators. 4. No other cellulosic materials in proximity. As you said, celluloid rot is contagious. It's best to keep them in their own boxes. 5. Don't store them in rusted or rust-prone cabinets. This will cause further deterioration. 6 . Keep objects away from direct sunlight or other UV light sources. 7. Nonmetallic object containers (boxes, trays) made of glass, ceramic, or acid-resistant plastic. Metallic containers corrode and may lead to gelation of the celluloid. 8. Protection from contact with the metallic oxides and salts of lead, calcium, arsenic, tin, iron, copper, and zinc. For example, if deteriorated celluloid becomes dissolved in moisture absorbed from the atmosphere or in liquid deterioration products, the metallic oxides of calcium in calcium-buffered materials can irreversibly gel the softened or dissolved celluloid. 9. An acid-absorbing material in the storage or exhibit space to react with the acids formed during deterioration (CaCO3 is one possibility if it is not in contact with the celluloid) . I recommend either individual a buffered archival box with acid-free (NOT BUFFERED) tissue paper to help support each comb separately . Or one larger buffered banker box-sized box with corrugated polypropylene trays to separate them (again with acid-free to support the comb). Gaylord Archival is a great supplier of archival boxes and supplies. References: Reilly, Julie A. 1991 Celluloid Objects: Their Chemistry and Preservation. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation. 30:2(3), pp. 145-162. Preservation, Library of Congress n.d. Collections Care. Library of Congress. www.loc.gov/preservation/care/index.html, accessed May 12, 2020.

@elizabethturel78

4 жыл бұрын

Chae Howard , awesome information. So great of you to include those pieces of knowledge! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

@stormbourbon8379

2 жыл бұрын

This gal celluloids!

Love the idea of having a 3D scan of the object both as a way of studying/remembering it in another hundred years, but also for printing and selling things like this again. Imagine seeing the original in an archival exhibit and being able to purchase a replica from the gift shop on your way out.

@ApprenticeWriter

4 жыл бұрын

That would be absolutely fantastic- especially since 3D printing allows for a a wide variety of materials! Sure, a gold or silver printed hair comb might be fancy, but imagine one made with glitter or glow in the dark filament...

@jomooney6618

2 жыл бұрын

Love this idea

"A nice alternative to breaking out the tiara. I know you have one, don't you?" I FEEL SO CALLED OUT 😂

@kzisnbkosplay3346

4 жыл бұрын

I started counting when she said it, lol

@annechenlowey7462

Жыл бұрын

Does this count the one I keep in the car's glove-box for traffic stops?👑

I am here for the history and this was a fun glimpse at an accessory that is all but unknown today.

Maybe once we can be out and about again, you can find a library with a makerspace with a 3d printer. Then at least you can get a replacement copy made of the peacock one.

Loved the video, thank you so much for sharing! I'm Spanish, and must say combs are not only worn here by flamenco dancers. In some areas of the country, specially in the south (Andalucía), combs are worn also in special occasions such as weddings or religious holidays like Easter, when combs can be really HUGE and are worn covered by a black or white lace veil. During Easter, many accessories and clothes shops fill their shop windows with combs, lace veils and wood fans as they are very popular during these days - it's kind of the vintage lovers' paradise ahaha - . A good comb, veil or fan may become part of the family legacy and would be inherited from generation to generation. :)

Just a possible thought have you ever thought about setting it in resin even though it may continue to break down over time it really can't go anywhere if it's set in resin know you'll not be able to wear it anymore but you could display it like you were displaying it in a shadow Box I know that a lot to give up though for a piece that so beautiful... the 3d print option is genius

I inherited a lovely comb that has a hair pin attached with a chain. A guard in case it falls? Perhaps that is what the bump/loop on your comb once held. 🤔

"Pause for science" - YES! I love that you always share the history and important background information with your collection management videos. 3D printing would be fabulous. As another commenter said, museums could use this technology to create replicas of key pieces for sale, creating another revenue stream.

I DO have a tiara. It's far more flashy than my everyday crown, go figure. (ha) I LOVE your combs. When I was little, (like less than 5) I absolutely LOVED these combs, and back then, especially here in Colorado, they seemed to be EVERYWHERE, and I had no way to procure one. These really are lovely, and they look so dreamy in your hair. ~sigh~

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Michelle!

You could collaborate with “3D printing nerd” or “Make Anything” KZread channels to get the 3D prints.

It’s funny how being Spanish myself, I’ve always associated hair combs with Spanish folclore and it wasn’t until I started to learn a bit more about historical fashion that I broadened my vision on them. I love them and I think they’re very stylish but I don’t have any yet. If I wore one around here people would definitely associate it with copla/flamenco and think I’m either in costume or a “guiri” (gringo) “appropriating” our culture (not that I would care haha) If you ever come to Spain, I’d be happy to give you some tips on where to find modern ones that are really absolutely gorgeous :)

@alienaumbrae1817

4 жыл бұрын

The same form me (I'm Spanish too). I also associated them with ladies dressed up for the "procesiones" at Easter (soy de Zamora.... 😝).

@maridanez

4 жыл бұрын

Yo vivo en Málaga, imagínate jaja

@alienaumbrae1817

4 жыл бұрын

@@maridanez Pues otra que ve señoras de procesión cada vez que le ponen una peineta delante!! 😂

@maridanez

4 жыл бұрын

Aliena Umbrae Búscame en fb si quieres, no conozco a nadie en España a quien le guste lo vintage más allá de los 80/90 jaja (Leonor Miralles Gadea)

@maroulio2067

4 жыл бұрын

Had my DNA done and found out I have Spanish ancestry from northern Spain. The odd thing is, when I was young living in Greece (I have a Greek background) and wore my hair up, people would ask me if I was from Spain

Ugh that peacock one is so gorgeous. I own one celluloid hair comb - it’s an Egyptian Revival pharaoh hair come from the 20’s and it’s just stunning. I’ve been trying to keep it well ventilated and out of super warm spaces for the very reasons you just said - I don’t want it to degrade! What a beautiful collection you have!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kristina! If you are gonna have one comb, Egyptian revival is the way to go for sure!

My grandmother has an real Ivory hair comb that her grandfather brought back from Africa that I always admire.

I love the idea about 3D scanning this the peacock hair comb! I know many public libraries have 3D printers... I wonder if any university near you would have a 3D scanner they would let you use with a student or something? I feel like other history nerds of whatever genre would appreciate what you are trying to do to save that style to be remade.

This just popped up as a suggestion to watch - probably since I have been searching eBay and Etsy for these types of hair combs. I even recently saw the butterfly one that you shared. It's a fun collection and now I'm inspired to start my own. 😊

I really enjoy these collection videos. It's super cool to see what other folks have and gives me tons of inspiration!

Hello Pretty Lady, long time, no see. I know that’s my fault since you have posted great videos, (which I can now binge watch! ) I hope you and your loved ones have weathered the pandemic without problems. I love your combs. I wish I had enough hair to hold one. I do use the smaller curved plastic combs from Walmart. I love to use them to hold the sides of my short hair back from my face. I recommend to you that you invest in a couple of hair pieces you can use on top of your short pony tail. You can use them to add to your volume. I wore one every day for years before I decided short hair would be better for my thinning hair. You are abundantly blessed with glorious hair, so you “rock” these beautiful accessories very well! I agree with you that they are a real bargain for something antique , wonderful and beautiful to boot!

Loved your combs! But it kind of had a sad ending☹️. The poor peacock is making that slow slide into oblivion, kind of like my body! Ha

Wow! You have inspired me to collect some of these beautiful hair combs. I have long hair and am always looking for different vintage styles. Truly treasures. 🖤

So beautiful, I love 1929s hair combs. Thank you for sharing your collection and history of celluloid.

Hi Bianca Do you have your hair in a snood? I love photos of my aunts and mother wearing them, during the 1940s, as they were going to their essential services jobs.My mum was a truck driver, still they managed to have fun during very bleak times.

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Kaye! I am indeed wearing a snood here, I purchased a few hand made ones on Etsy several years ago after watching the Borgia's TV series where they had the gorgeous renaissance ladies wearing them all the time!

Makes me want to grow my bob out so that I can decorate my hair again. Such fabulous pieces.

I really enjoy hair Bob's. I have Bobby pins with jewels and clips pins with jewels. For me it works when you can't afford fashion or shoes. A little bling in the hair is nice. You have a very nice collection of hair combs.

How enchanting your hair combs are Bianca - and while I am usually quite satisfied with my pixie cut - when I see these I can only sigh. However I agree they are such wonderful 'objects of art' in their own (even unworn) state that I would collect them just to be transfixed as you obviously are and you have chosen some truly stylish and lovely ones - thanks so much for another great diversion !

Your collection of combs and hair accessories is beautiful. My mother-in-law wore elaborate updos and had many antique combs, as well as hand, made hairpins from a jeweler. Your collection reminds me of her. My own taste runs toward hand made hair sticks to hold my bun in place. I keep her combs to remember her by.

I agree with all the comments how beautiful your collections are .3D printing and then set in resin it would cut all air to it .I think scarves next please.

Shot in the dark, but you could try and get in touch with the guys over at the Nerdforge. They might have some suggestions for scanning and printing and it's not exactly their kind of subject matter but they love a challenge.

Bianca- you inspired me today. My hair is arm pit length and I intend to let it get longer. I am also growing in my bangs. I love the idea of combs as I like my hair pulled back in a braid or in some sort of updo. Your long hair photos are so beautiful. These accessory videos are gold.

Ohhh...those black haircombs are amazing!!

That comb definitely needs to be scanned and 3D! Plaid looks great on you!!👍

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Joanna!

Thank you so much! That was like seeing an exhibit in an art museum. So beautiful and the history is fascinating. The way you style them is stunning. 👏

Thank you!!!!!!! I really did,want to see these!!!

I love all the intricate detail on these. Thank you for sharing your collection with us!

There may be a maker space near you that could hook you up with a maker with the appropriate skills. It would likely not be hideously expensive or could be a school project for them. Win-win!

Combs are so pretty! Thank you for sharing your collection.

Thank you for sharing this collection! It was great to see some of the combs “in action” as well :)

Such a lovely collection ❤️💕

They are all beautiful.

These are gorgeous!

Stunning collection Bianca!

All of these combs are beautiful. I have a few myself, love them.

Such a beautiful collection ! Thanks for sharing with us, the details are exquisite! X😘

Here in Europe we have "fab-labs" ( fabrication laboratories, or maker spaces ) that enables newbies to try out 3d scanning, printing, Laser cutting and other "advanced" fabrication techniques that require expensive machinery ... Everyplace has their own way of organizing training, access and material purchase, most of the times you become a member and you have to help others out a few hours and in exchange you can use the machines for the same amount of time. But some also earn money from accepting orders. In your case, laser cutting might be a better choice than 3d printing, which often requires a lot of touch-ups :)

I've heard of celluloid sickness or vinegar disease when it comes to animation film cells.

Favorite for me was the blue sapphire and the black with rhinestones and the art deco. Great collection! Books or vintage mags would be a great haul!🌹or purses. Thx!

Loooooveeeeeee your shirt, loved the science info about celluloid, and love all the combs - especially the gothic black and the yellow with emeralds. Gorgeous, gorgeous!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sonia!

I have bought some combs from Etsy and I like them a lot I have long hair but never had a chance to wear them thanks for showing us your combs they are very nice ❤️

Your collection of combs are beautiful. I used to wear chop sticks in my hair when styling it in a bun or some other updo. I still have a few around; one happens to be in a lovely brown celluloid.

This video brightened my day and calmed me so much.

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Hattie

Great collection! I've always loved vintage hair combs (or Gardenia's) worn in hair.

I love your colections. I think the hair combs and gloves are my favorites, is really hard to choose. Thank you Bianca for this great video!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Iara!

I loved the all black comb.

Love the red tartan on you! And the combs. I have some that were my mum’s and though I never wear them now I love having them.

Truly beautiful objects! I was so inspired by your previous shoe collection that I caved and bought myself my first pair of B.A.I.T. shoes!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sarah! I hope you like the shoes!

Oh your look is soooo awesome!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

The butterfly one drew me in. I love accessories with butterflies on them. These were gorgeous and so nice to see, And yes I do have a tiara, it stays hidden until halloween. I'd love to see vintage earring like clip ons. I love seeing those big beautiful statement earrings.

They are all so beautiful and you look truly stunning with your hair and combs in these styles

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Louise!

Those were lovely! My favorite is the small red one.

I am newish to your channel and have enjoyed looking back at your older videos. Old celluloid is tricky. I guess billiard balls used to be made out of it and then explode while being used! And old movies explode too, hence the old metal containers (there is a scene in the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'Sabotage' that references this). Gorgeous clothes, history and channel. Thanks!

Such a beautiful collection of hair combs 😻 I'm currently lusting after Japanese style hair combs and hair ornaments in general.

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Marion! I'd love to have some vintage Japanese combs and ornaments one day

Oh, and the 3D printing thing is a great idea :) I hope you can do that one day 🤞🏻

I believe Boxwood combs, dating back to 10,000 B.C.E. have been found as some of the earliest hair ornaments and the ancient roman women also har tortoiseshell combs for decorations according to some sources :) If you want to get some older ones

Great outfit! So good to see the world is a bit happier.🌹 I have one comb but it is very fragile....sigh. Thanks!!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Your combs are beautiful! To wear the larger combs you could always add in some of the clip hair pieces.

They are soo beautiful ! I love the butterfly one , I collect hair clip ,I have all different colors and styles

Absolute Beauty!

Thanks for sharing Bianca, you have a beautiful collection. You should do your hat collection next.

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andrea! I do have a video on all of my straw hats if that is of interest

I will have to check and see if you have given a hat collection tour-I think you did. I had a great hat collection that was lost. For future tours: I love fabric, including scarves. Thank you!!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

I have my straw hats but still have to do the others! kzread.info/dash/bejne/dK5-pcimg7WTnag.html

The first comb and the red comb look like someone did the Flame Test on them (down at the end of a tine); people used to actually do that to tell if it was real tortoiseshell! If it caught, it wasn't shell.

I love getting a sneak peak of your accessories, actually vintage collections in general are fun and fascinating 😊 you've done shoes, gloves, hair combs, brooches, have you done hats and handbags/purses? Gurl we know your jewelry collection is big (just like mine 😂) I'd love to see more of it for sure! 💎

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I have done many of my hats in my straw hat video here but I still have to show the rest! kzread.info/dash/bejne/dK5-pcimg7WTnag.html

These are great! I won a giveaway you had a few years back and received a beautiful green with blue rhinestone hair comb.

I was very lucky the other day to find a celluloid comb for $4 NZ the lady in the second hand shop had no idea what it was made off it’s a pretty tortashell colours & quite big.

Very nice

Hello! I have recently found your channel and I LOVE IT! This wasan awesome video! Your 'lookbooks' and accessories are FANTASTIC. Would you consider do a collections video on your brooches? Or in the same vein: how to wear/style brooches? Happy Friday!

@TheClosetHistorian

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I have done a few videos showing my different brooches which can be found here kzread.info/dash/bejne/hKOg2shteMWecps.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/qqijxtZtmrfVhbA.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/ant5vNVro8_gh9I.html

@a.p6569

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian thanks! You rock!

I want all of these! Especially now that my hair is long 😩 😍

Love the hair combs...the peacock upside down looked like clown faces....but it is gorgeous...and I hope you find a way to slow the deterioration or a way to make new ones, Great idea.

Please do a hair tutorial someday with one of these. I have a bunch of them but do not know how to do any ornate updos for them.

@TheClosetHistorian

6 күн бұрын

The trouble is I keep my hair short now so sadly I can't wear mine either 😅

Hi Bianca!! Wonderful vlog.. Your hair combs are absolutely gorgeous, sorry to see the peacock comb deteriorate & wish you could make a replica of it.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

3-D printing is a brilliant idea for recreating those hair combs! Also, do you have any videos on how to wear a snood? I’ve tried several times and my hair always escapes. 😜

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

My hair was trying to escape the whole time I had this on...I have better luck if I actually curl my hair first, which was why I was wearing one this day...to hide that I had NOT curled my hair ha!

honey, if you love spaniard ornamental combs, you should check up a singer called called "martirio", she rocks amazing unique freak combs!

i love the black/clear/blue rhinestones AND your hairstyle when wearing it. did you style that yourself or have a stylist do it?? all of them were beautiful.

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I did it myself, it's victory rolls in the front, a low bun made with a net/foam hair rat thing in the back, and then a length of the front hair is left free to wrap around the back like that at the end :)

Now we all want to see your tiara collection...! :)

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

I'v shamefully only got the one ;)

@AndreaIris86

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian shameful indeed... I guess we'll have to graciously wait until you build your collection..!

When I saw the combs in your closet tour, I might have bought one of my own lol I'm not sure when it is from, honestly, but its a beautiful dark dark faux tortoiseshell with a fan design, and the sticks? (wtf are they called lmao) of the fan are alternating blue and green with matching rhinestones. But on one end, there was an error i guess, and there are two green sections right next to each other. I think that makes me love it even more

@bridgetthewench

4 жыл бұрын

I've heard the sticks called tines, like on a fork, or teeth, like on a comb used for detangling.

Scarves. May we see them? Also, I'm very curious about all the things on the dresser or desk behind you - so many books, cauldrons, candles and jars. Are those items too personal to share?

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

I show a bit more of the room I film in, which is my sewing room, in this tour video from a few years ago! kzread.info/dash/bejne/lJZhqdKphq2xcqw.html

Would love to work with you in regards to the peinceta and or mantilla

I love the gingham dress you re wearing in the outro 💖 what about vintage underwear next? 💖🌈

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Alas I do not have any, I do have a video about retro undergarments though kzread.info/dash/bejne/e3l3ldehmKmfYLQ.html :)

@sophieinspired

4 жыл бұрын

TheClosetHistorian awesome 👏 thank you 💖

Lovely! Thank you very much for the inside! I was one of those suggesting framing the peacock comb ;) I had another idea, thou I have no clue to its value - could you cast the comb in a block of epoxy raisin? it would still be a showpiece then and even if it crumbles the outline would be preserved (and might even be able to be scanned for 3d printer reproduction)

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

I think I'd be scared to have the comb trapped in any way, as it would still degrade within the resin now that it has already started, and then it would be like trapped nitrous oxide in a block and I would treat it even more like a potential grenade I fear!

@mullicopper1262

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian Ok that's fair, and also someone should turn that idea into a Murder Mystery Novel: "Death by Celloloid" - very patient forward thinking. And now I am thinking you could make a lookbook for "Death on the Nil" or "Midnight Lace". And now I need to stop! Thanks anyway for taking the time to bust my uninformed advice ;) Have a good day

Wow they don't make stuff like this anymore! That is pretty

You could possibly set the last comb in clear resin to preserve it

What about a make up collection tour? I'm a make up artist and I love your looks!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

You're from Colorado?! I knew I sensed a kindred soul!

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

Well...I'm from southern California originally, but I've lived in Colorado for fifteen years now ;)

@SeraphimaLune

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian You're one of us now, shh.

Hi, when I was a child I had two vintage plastic dolls, but the unusual thing was that the faces were modeled on the then princess's Elizabeth and Margaret, but then my mum found out that her old dolls were a fire hazards and gifted them to the museum, so some how the cellulose can be saved I just don't know how.

My great-grandma had faux tortoiseshell combs when I was little. Besides using bigger ones to hold your hair back from your face, the smaller ones were for holding up all those wee wispy nape hair that never seem to grow long enough to be caught in a bun. You and me, though? We say NAY and undercut that shit! ;)

I've never clicked on a video so fast XD

I think you need to get an artist friend to recreate the peacock comb, because it's too lovely to lose

Can you coat the damaged comb in resin? You also make a mold and then pour in resin if that doesn't work.

Is it possible to preserve old celluloid longer by leaving it in refrigerator? I feel low temperature will slow down the decomposition process?

For the peacock one, could you make a silicone mold of it?

@TheClosetHistorian

4 жыл бұрын

I have never done it before but it would be a good idea indeed!

May I ask what the length of the tines happens to be on average? This has inspired me to attempt making my own combs!

@TheClosetHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

I'd say about 3.5-4.5 inches or thereabouts!

@prenks23

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheClosetHistorian Thank you so much!