A Collector's Compacts

Lovely 1940s compact from Judith Works' private collection, author of Coins in the Fountain A Memoir of Rome   (Recommended Read!), and friend.  I especially love all the detail on the ladies' dress and the poodle's bow. The interior on this compact for carrying all the essentials is intact.

From Judith Works collection, a compact again from the 1940s.  The delicate scrollwork is fascinating, and notice the finger loop

From Judith Works collection, the bloom hasn't faded from this compact dated in the 1920s.  Its original interior organization was removed at some time so it could be used later by the owner as a cigarette case.  Thank you so much Judith for a glimpse into your beautiful collection!

Vintage Compacts at White River Museum

From the 1940's and 1950's these matching accessories are designed to be carried in a middle size, over the arm handbag from the 1940's or 1950's, like the Evans bag in the picture from the White River museum Bags exhibit earlier this year.  The matched accessories include a powder compact for blush that's leak proof and has a soft velour puff.  Also a one piece pop up lipstick holder, cigarette case, lighter, and comb.  The full set like this, including the purse in 1940 would have been priced at $41.50 + tax.

The Evans Case Company of North Attleboro, MA manufactured American compacts between 1920 and 1960.  The company started by making brass buttons.  As competition in the button business increased, they branched into other items such as picture frames and neck chains for US Navy dog tags.  With the end of WWI, they were looking for other items again.  That's when they started making compacts.  These were a big hit and they could barely keep up with sales demand.

Another option of the time is a compact designed to have all the accessories within it.  Then you carry just the single compact in your mid-size purse.  This one has a pretty gold metal finish.

Here's a real sparkler, rhinestone set.  One of the challenges in collecting vintage is that over time these separate, small accessories get separated and misplaced.  It's more valuable and exciting when you find a collection intact.

Another gold plated intact compact

Pretty compact with faux sapphires.

For when you don't want to carry a big purse.  Instead a holder for converting a pretty, gold plated compact into a sort of wristlet

A collection of "dance bags" by Briggs.  These began as especially fashionable in the 1920's.  Some brands of dance bags, not pictured here, had a metal circle at the top of the extended chain which was a "finger loop".  Inside, the necessities of a compact.

More examples of dance bags

Sparkling evening bag, and notice the intricate filigree at the top of the frame

1920's wallet to carry either on its own, or inside a larger compact or purse

Antique Purses at White River (Part 2)

This enamel mesh is very flexible and soft to the touch. It's shiny surface and cheery colors are so alluring. Look at the detail on the frame that really adds to the styling. And of course, the popular kiss clasp.

This delicate purse is from 1910 is on the early side of the art deco design. This displayed bag is currently under repair and originally included a small lavendar sachet. The antique purses so often included a small accessory within when purchased, could be a sachet, or a compact, or a small mirror. Over time these pretty accessories were often separated from their original purse, or misplaced, or lost.

This very small bag is from 1905. Remember these purses are primarily for decoration, and for just the ladies' absolute necessities when away from home.

One of my favorites, no subtlety in the gold here, and crowned with a shining, clear, faceted clasp embellished with smaller, sparkling round clear glass. This is one of the early bags with no kiss clasp, and it's a little roomier than many from the era.

The metal mesh in this case is not enameled, instead the orange lining from the bag is seen through the mesh. The corners and edges are a little reinforced, and notice the six dangling metal pearl shapes at the bottom. The silver colored metal frame and large silver color kiss clasp complement the mesh and highlight the colorful orange lining.

What a dreamy, dynamic, midnight blue beaded bag. It's a French metal beaded purse with brass frame. The intricate beading is thickly layered for an extravagant effect.

And here's the matching coin purse with the twist lid.  This was included inside the bag for the original purchase.

This bag engenders feelings of Great Gatsby for me, although it's decidedly prior to that era. The intricate beading is best described simply as art. Look at the details on the frame as well, including the gem stones.

Unbelievably beautiful scrolled frame work on this bag, and again the layered, draping beadwork. In person the shiny brightness of the yellow beads is delightful.