Electric Comb - "Whites"

c. 1920
Overview

Long rectangular brown box (crocodile pattern), with lid. Inside is a yellow soft foam to hold the comb in place.

Original box with two components:

1. Instruction sheet
2. Electric comb

Historical information

White’s Electric Comb is a 1920s pseudo-medical device manufactured in the UK by Whites Manufacturing Co Ltd. Designed to be battery-operated, it was historically marketed to stimulate hair growth and treat scalp problems by applying mild electrical currents to the head.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-124-2026.198
Item type
Objects
Themes
Material
Metal
Inscriptions and markings

Side of electric shaver: "White's electric comb. Made in England.
Side of handle: "White's Manfc Co Ltd. Pat No.9079.27

Instruction sheet: "Directions for using White's Electric Comb"

Contextual information

This battery operated item was supposed to aid with hair growth and scalp problems by applying electricity to the scalp.

Keywords
grooming
Hair Comb
Place made
London, England, United Kingdom
Year
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Scientific or research significance
Social or spiritual significance
Last modified
Tuesday, 14 July, 2026
Completeness
100
Busselton Historical Society

Busselton Historical Society

White's Electric Comb
White's Electric Comb - instructions pge1
White's Electric Comb - instructions pge2

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