Have a look here:

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/early-antique-primitive-flax-wood-metal-tool-comb
Or: Looks like a flax comb as seen in this image.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/early-flax-comb-hatchel-folk-art-woodenware-early

Richard Wright
Barkerville, B.C.







On Dec 2, 2014, at 11:21 PM, Ian Evans <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Dear All,
> 
> If someone could throw light on the object in the image at this DropBox
> link:
> 
> https://db.tt/bsCSVKLC
> 
> it would be very much appreciated.
> It came from a property near Mole Creek in Northern Tasmania and is thought
> to have been convict made in about 1812. It appears to be a comb for use on
> horses' tails or manes, or is it perhaps a flax hackle?
> Can anyone provide further information on this device? Has anyone seen
> combs such as this in the US or elsewhere?
> 
> Yours etc,
> 
> Ian Evans
> 
> -----------------------------
> Ian Evans, OAM, PhD
> The Flannel Flower Press & World of Old Houses (www.oldhouses.com.au)
> PO Box 591
> Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia 2482
> Phone/fax 02 6684 7677 (+612 6684 7677)