Architectural ornament - 1910-1920





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Wooden antique electric scalp massage comb Propus from 1910–1920.
Description from the seller
Antique electric head massage comb “Propus” – Dresdner Kosmetika Fabrik – ca. 1920/1930 – in original case
Special and rare cosmetic/medical device from the interwar period: the “Propus” electrically powered head nerve massage comb, manufactured by the Dresdner Kosmetika-Fabrik (Germany).
This device was advertised at the time as an “ärztlich erprobte” (medically tested) head massage comb, intended to stimulate the scalp and activate the nerves. Typical for early electric wellness and beauty equipment from the early 20th century.
Description
• Original black lacquered wooden case
• Inner lining lined with silk/satin
• Original printed label with inscription:
“Propus – Der erprobte Kopfnerven-Massage-Kamm von der Dresdner Kosmetika-Fabrik”
• Wooden control unit with connection points
• Original cables (red/green textile-wrapped)
• Metal handpiece
Period
Ca. 1920–1930 (interwar)
Condition
• Case shows clear signs of use and lacquer wear (see photos)
• Inner lining discolored/spotting appropriate to age
• Cables show signs of aging
• Not tested for operation – sold as a collector’s item
⸻
Collectors value
This type of early electric beauty and medical equipment is sought after by:
• collectors of medical instruments
• enthusiasts of Art Deco / interwar design
Antique electric head massage comb “Propus” – Dresdner Kosmetika Fabrik – ca. 1920/1930 – in original case
Special and rare cosmetic/medical device from the interwar period: the “Propus” electrically powered head nerve massage comb, manufactured by the Dresdner Kosmetika-Fabrik (Germany).
This device was advertised at the time as an “ärztlich erprobte” (medically tested) head massage comb, intended to stimulate the scalp and activate the nerves. Typical for early electric wellness and beauty equipment from the early 20th century.
Description
• Original black lacquered wooden case
• Inner lining lined with silk/satin
• Original printed label with inscription:
“Propus – Der erprobte Kopfnerven-Massage-Kamm von der Dresdner Kosmetika-Fabrik”
• Wooden control unit with connection points
• Original cables (red/green textile-wrapped)
• Metal handpiece
Period
Ca. 1920–1930 (interwar)
Condition
• Case shows clear signs of use and lacquer wear (see photos)
• Inner lining discolored/spotting appropriate to age
• Cables show signs of aging
• Not tested for operation – sold as a collector’s item
⸻
Collectors value
This type of early electric beauty and medical equipment is sought after by:
• collectors of medical instruments
• enthusiasts of Art Deco / interwar design

