Description
Rare Bone Handled Hat Brush – HMS Primrose Shipwreck, 1809 Cornwall
This exceptionally rare bone-handled hat brush was recovered from the wreck of HMS Primrose, a Royal Navy brig-sloop that tragically sank off the coast of Cornwall in January 1809. This beautifully preserved maritime artefact provides a tangible connection to Britain’s naval history during the Napoleonic Wars. Lovingly conserved and authenticated, it serves as both a piece of history and a striking collector’s item. The photograph shows the actual item you will receive. All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Historical Background – HMS Primrose and the 1809 Wreck
HMS Primrose was a Royal Navy 18-gun brig-sloop, part of the Cruizer-class vessels that patrolled the English Channel during the early 19th century. These ships were designed for speed, manoeuvrability, and versatility, often used for escort duties, anti-privateering patrols, and reconnaissance. On 22 January 1809, HMS Primrose met her fate near The Manacles Reef, a treacherous stretch of submerged rocks off the coast of Cornwall, near The Lizard Peninsula.
Caught in a violent storm while attempting to navigate the narrow coastal waters, the vessel struck the rocks and was lost with almost all hands on board. Only one survivor is recorded from the tragedy. The event is one of the most documented shipwrecks in Cornwall’s maritime history and represents the perilous conditions faced by the Royal Navy during the height of the Napoleonic era.
Over time, the wreck site became covered with sand and sediment, preserving a range of artefacts that offer a glimpse into daily life aboard a British warship of the period — including personal items such as this finely crafted hat brush.
Artefact Description and Material Composition
This bone-handled hat brush is a remarkable survival from the early 19th century. Crafted from polished animal bone, the handle displays the elegant workmanship typical of personal naval items of the time. Bone was a favoured material for small tools and grooming accessories due to its smooth texture, fine grain, and durability.
The brush’s handle retains its natural ivory-like patina, developed over two centuries of submersion and mineral interaction. The bristle base, likely fitted with natural fibre or horsehair bristles, is partially preserved and indicative of early 19th-century grooming tools used by naval officers. Such items were part of an officer’s kit for maintaining uniform and personal appearance, particularly for formal inspections and daily dress standards.
The design reflects Georgian-era craftsmanship, with a tapered ergonomic form allowing a comfortable grip. The brush was used to clean bicorne or tricorn hats, which were standard attire among naval officers of the Royal Navy during the early 1800s.
Cultural and Maritime Significance
Artefacts like this bone-handled hat brush are more than personal items — they are silent witnesses to an era of exploration, naval dominance, and human endurance. During the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), grooming items and personal effects were among the few luxuries a sailor or officer could own, reflecting both status and individuality.
Recovered from HMS Primrose, this brush not only embodies the discipline and pride of Royal Navy officers, but also provides a unique insight into maritime life during one of Britain’s most turbulent periods. Such artefacts are rarely found intact, especially organic-based items like bone, which often succumb to decay in marine environments. The preservation of this specimen is therefore exceptional, aided by the anaerobic (oxygen-poor) seabed conditions near The Manacles.
Recovery and Conservation
This artefact was carefully recovered from the HMS Primrose wreck site under regulated archaeological supervision. Post-recovery, it underwent stabilisation and desalination, a crucial process to remove residual sea salts that can deteriorate organic material. The piece was then gently dried and conserved using museum-grade methods to ensure its stability for long-term display.
The recovery of personal items such as this hat brush has deepened our understanding of naval life during the Georgian period. Each find contributes to the broader archaeological record of shipboard culture, craftsmanship, and trade networks that supplied the Royal Navy.
Provenance and Authenticity
This hat brush originates directly from the HMS Primrose wreck site near The Manacles Reef, Cornwall, and has been authenticated as part of a documented archaeological recovery. The provenance is firmly established and supported by associated site records.
Each artefact is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its identification, material composition, and recovery origin. The certificate guarantees this is a genuine historical artefact and not a reproduction.
The item has been photographed with a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Please refer to the images for full dimensions. The bone handle’s natural patina, minor surface texturing, and overall preserved form attest to both its age and authenticity.
Owning this bone-handled hat brush from HMS Primrose (1809) allows collectors and historians alike to hold a piece of tangible naval history — a rare relic of life aboard a Royal Navy warship during the height of Britain’s maritime empire.
Artefact Type: Bone-handled Hat Brush
Period: Early 19th Century (Georgian / Napoleonic Wars)
Cultural Origin: British Royal Navy
Vessel: HMS Primrose (wrecked 1809, Cornwall, UK)
Material: Polished animal bone and natural fibre bristles
Condition: Conserved maritime artefact with natural patina
Authenticity: 100% genuine artefact – Certificate of Authenticity included
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