Antique French Empire Georgian tiara hair comb gilt metal coral canetille (7562)

Antique French Empire or Georgian tiara hair comb. Made in France circa 1810 - 1820's. Metal known as pomponne in France - gilt metal that appears as gold. 

Measurements:

Weight is 92.9 grams. In a straight line (disregarding the curve), approximately 6 1/2 inches (17cm) across widest part. About 8 1/2 inches if you include the curve.  

Description :

Made between the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Empress Josephine and the time of the Regent, future King George IV. Curving hair comb that can be worn a number of ways, depending on the hairstyle of the wearer or the occasion. 
Curving gilt metal wires allow a firm fit. They connect to an inner gold-colored band, almost entirely covered by a band of floral cannetille, typical of French gold work of the era. This is followed by a floating band of tightly set, faceted coral beads and then a wide band of openwork gilt metal, repousse and pierced in a foliate pattern, each with a larger coral bead in the center. Finally, the upper band of largest coral beads, held in place by gilded pins. 
The comb is versatile - it can be worn in almost any direction - as a tiara on the top of the head; circling a bun or upsweep or at an angle. 
We see an almost identical comb in a painting of the Empress Josephine, who was known to be a great fan of coral. See 8th 'photo. 

Marks and Metal:

no marks. See 'Story' below for information about gilt metal.      

Condition:

Good.  Very minor gilt wear - see enlarged pictures. All original and in fabulous shape considering the age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY: 

"Pomponne" refers to a type of gilt metal, a brass alloy of copper and zinc , that was developed in France and is often used to describe gilt metal or imitation gold, particularly in the context of 19th-century jewelry and decorations. 
The similar example of a hair comb, worn at an unusual angle by the Empress Josephine is shown in one of our 'photographs. Josephine was a huge fan of coral jewelry and she was the ultimate trend-setter of the day. 
English cannetille is recognised as dating jewelry to the period 1820-1830. French cannetille is slightly different and possibly somewhat earlier. It usually depicts flowers (as in the case of this comb) as compared to later English cannetille that is more 3-d wirework.