04/27/2026
I work very hard to curate and sell historically accurate and historically inspired items of the Viking Age and Migration Period in my shop. Many of these items are accessories to personal kit. Hygiene was an important part of the daily lives of ancient peoples as it is for us in modern times. I sell many copies of Viking Age combs in my shop made of bone and horn. They are beautiful and fascinating objects which move people to pick them up and handle them. People are naturally curious about how well they function and want to try them out. This has created an unfortunate problem. In these modern times we know that sharing hygiene products promotes the spread of certain organisms and diseases. Even ancient people's knew this, evidenced by the design of the combs themselves as some have two different sets of teeth with wide spacing or very fine spacing to remove nits and lice.
I have had multiple incidents with customers since I began selling combs of customers picking a comb up and immediately trying it out. I try my best to keep a close eye and stop them before they do. I've also carved a sign which I place in the middle of the displayed combs advising patrons to "Buy it BEFORE you try it". The next step will have to be wiring the combs to a display.
Unfortunately, I had another customer incident over the weekend at NEFFA. (Don't let this one incident give you a poor view of either NEFFA or the amazing people that attend it! It's fabulous! You need to go. Seriously. ) A young man came into my shop and was looking at the beard combs. Before I could stop him he put the comb he was examining in his beard and began combing. I explained to him that, unfortunately, he would have to pay for the comb as I cannot resell the comb after he used it. I pointed out my prominent sign and explained my reasoning. He paid then promptly left my shop. I was polite, but firm. Later that afternoon I saw he had returned. He took a picture of my shop sign then flipped me off, said something rude and ran off. I reported this incident to the merchant coordinator for NEFFA.
I will be changing some of the ways I do business going forward as a result of this latest incident. My relationships with my customers and patrons are very important to me. I don't want anyone that visits my shop to leave with a bad experience. I will now secure all combs and earrings to displays. If a customer would like to pick a different natural color variation from my stock they can ask to do so and we will help them with the clear understanding that if they try it out they must pay for their new comb. As a merchant I have to adhere to all laws and municipal codes governing commerce in the areas I do business.
I am deeply grateful to all my patrons, customers and friends for their support. You make it possible for me to make my art and literally help me feed my family. Thank you!
Here are the results of a quick Google search on this topic:
Sanitation and Health Regulations: Massachusetts regulation 240 CMR 3.03(13) and 8.02 requires that all combs, brushes, and similar items that come in contact with a person's head, neck, or face be "thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each and every separate use". A retail comb that has been used by a customer is no longer sanitary or new.
Implied Warranty of Merchantability: Under Massachusetts consumer law, products sold as new are covered by an implied warranty that they are safe and fit for use. A used comb cannot be sold as new, and passing a used product off as new is a violation of consumer protection laws.
Store Policy/Property Rights: Retailers have the right to set policies for their property, and opening/using a product before paying for it is typically against these policies. Such actions can be viewed as damaging or decreasing the value of the product, which could be considered property destruction or a form of petty theft if the item is not subsequently purchased.
Mass.gov
Mass.gov
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Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
