Tuesday 22 November 2011

Chained Vintage Powder Compact

 

One section of vintage powder compacts that were never easy to come across  in the UK were chained compacts. Typically American these compacts came with a chain attached to the bulk of the compact. First advertised in the late 1920s and they often have more then one compartment. Sometimes they hold rogue, space for cigarettes, lighters or lipstick, yet they never seemed to catch on over the waters in the UK [and if they are ever found, they really are rare] saying that there is very limited information around regarding chained compacts.

Somewhat reminiscent of a vanity case in its sizing and style, we managed to pick up this unused combination wrist chained compact with attached lipstick in an "antiques" shop on our drive back from Frankenmuth, I typed antiques like I did merely because it smelt and felt more like a charity shop with rows of cookie jars and random assortments of video tapes. This compact was locked up with some cigarette cases [as they often are] but after pulling it out and seeing the chain, I knew it was something special, sadly it is unmarked but i'd assume it was from the 1950sish [give or take a decade].

Clasped together the chain fastens from the center with enough length to fit over your wrist - thus allowing the lady easy access in times of need rather then having to rumble through, or even carry a bag. On the side is an attachment to hold a lipstick case and like the compact this too hasn't been used. The compact design itself is patterned with raised alternating styles of blocks and while it hasn't been used shows a little wear and tear around the edges. Opening up the compact from one side reveals a mirror, shifter and puff, and the other empty space which perhaps was used for cigarettes or in some cases stamps and small note paper. It's in a gorgeous unused condition.

18 comments:

  1. I've never seen a compact quite like this before - it's utterly fabulous lovely, the multiple compartments seem a brilliant idea - I wonder why they weren't popular over here in Britain?!

    Jem xXx

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  2. Very interesting post - lovely compact.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  3. It's so cool that you have such a specialized knowledge, collection and interest.

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  4. Thank you guys! I don't really know why they never seemed to catch on in the UK Jem - non of the British manufactures went into making them for whatever reason - would be interesting to find out why.

    Thank you Blace - comes from way too much reading and endlessly trying to poke the interest for any link of information - which isn't easy!

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  5. Um, I'm not being funny, but in the little picture in Google Reader this looked like chocolate. Massive craving right now!
    Very pretty though, and so practical. Very odd that they didn't make it to the UK!

    xo

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  6. Haha I can see why you think that Jess now you mention it!

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  7. Why aren't this available now? I kinda need something like it!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

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  8. Too true Laura - way too true!!

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  9. That is gorgeous! I love the old compacts, there is so much quality and some mystery to them. Sometimes holding one makes you think of who could have owned it.

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  10. What a find, I absolutely love it. x

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  11. Oh my gosh, this compact is gorgeous, you always seem to stumble across the best vintage goodies!
    Things like this always make me feel a bit sentimental, I wish we had such beautiful compacts around nowadays xx

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  12. I feel the same Francesca - especially when you see the plain plastic offerings that we get our foundation in today.

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  13. Just looking fast at the first picture I thought it was a chocolate bar, haha :)

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  14. Oh I adore this one! Totally jealous over your chained compact and I can just imagine all the beautiful American compacts you are going to able to find - bliss :o) Scarlett x

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  15. when how and why did u start collection compacts?

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  16. i don't understand why u can't find chained powder boxes in UK? I mean it doesnt make sense, are they typically american ones. i can't stop myself from admiring the ladies of that era, carrying around their precious powders in their arms like true ladies, where did all the true ladies disappear nowdays? and the lipstick case is so beautiful

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