Art Nouveau Silverplated Clothes Brush: Priest of Pallas Kansas City 1909

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Rare & Original Antique Priest of Pallas (P.O.P.) Souvenir Silver Plated Clothes Brush for your consideration. The brush measures approx. … Read more Rare & Original Antique Priest of Pallas (P.O.P.) Souvenir Silver Plated Clothes Brush for your consideration. The brush measures approx. 7 1/2 inches long, 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 3/4 inches tall. American, Missouri, Kansas City, c. 1909. Art Nouveau, silvered, ornately embossed brush handle with old horsehair bristles. Greek goddess Athena holding a shield in her left hand, stylized with the face of Medusa, and a spear in her right hand. Owl on the left side of her feet and snake at her right. Very good antique condition. Shows wear commensurate with age and use. Majority of bristles are intact and secure, yet some are starting to fall out. The silver plating is a bit tarnished creating a nice, natural patina. See photos. Displays interesting, Scarce!

A brief history of the Priest of Pallas: Reminiscent of Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Veiled Prophet in Saint Louis, the Priests of Pallas was a flamboyant weeklong celebration held in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1887 to 1912. Developed by the Flambeau Club, a civic promotional group, the Priests of Pallas encouraged and promoted tourism to Kansas City. Festivities included parades with ornate floats, as well as numerous concerts, performances, exhibitions, and a masquerade ball. Lavish souvenirs, often depicting Greco-Roman soldiers, were gifted to attendees of the invite-only masquerade ball as a remembrance of the event. -The State Historical Society of Missouri See less