dug near an old barn

[CAP]

dug this heavy brass piece which appears to be broken off and the teeth bent.
I'm guessing some kind of curry comb but doesn't match any that I have seen yet on internet.
It is threaded on the inside.
Any help identifying it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
CAP

 

[longcut]

could be a curry comb , but also , a hot comb used for straightening a woman's hair ...... We find lots of them here in my area of Mississippi...

 

[jewelerguy]

I think it's a mane comb, kinda like this one listed on feebay Antique Horse Brass Mane Comb | eBay

 

[Mud Hut]

It is, in fact, a hot comb. (aka pressing comb) Being misconstrued as a mane comb is another case of mis-identification in the older books.

 

[cw0909]

what size is this thing

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

MudHut is right... definitely a hot-comb (used in olden times for straightening kinky African-American hair) and ONLY a hot-comb. This is another example of why we should NOT trust Ebay seller item identifications. I was an Ebay official authenticator/consultant for several years, until Ebay decided it liked the money from sales commissions better than rigorously protecting customers from seller fraud (or in this case, probably innocent misidentification).

If you want "proof" that it is a hot-comb, note the coiled wire handle. Its purpose is to dissipate the heat enough for you to be able to handle the comb. Woodstove damper handles tend to have a similar coiled wire handle. There's no need for a coiled wire handle on a currycomb/mane-comb.

 

[Tony in SC]

It's a hot comb. I found one in an old tenant house that had 1923 stamped on it.

It is, in fact, a hot comb. (aka pressing comb) Being misconstrued as a mane comb is another case of mis-identification in the older books.

 

[CAP]

Thanks to all that responded. I learned something.
Great job!
CAP