Comb

Periodca. 1840 - 1850

MediumNickel, zinc, copper

Dimensions2.38 × 2.5 in. (6 × 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsAccessories, Women's

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Ann Herbert, 1938

Object number1152

DescriptionA silver-colored hair comb of nickel, zinc, and copper, otherwise known as "German silver." The comb consists of an arched crest with six evenly spaced teeth that taper to points.
Curatorial RemarksThe clipper ship "New Era" was an emigrant ship that was sailing from Bremen, Germany to New York when it wrecked on a sandbar off of the coast of present day Asbury Park, Monmouth County, on 13 November 1854. An estimated 240 lives were lost to exposure and drowning.The tragedy prompted an expansion of the United States Life Saving Service, which eventually developed into the U.S. Coast Guard.NotesAccording to Association records, this comb was taken from the hair of one of the victims of the 1854 "New Era" shipwreck, which occured off the coast of southern Long Branch, Monmouth County.

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