Thursday 12 January 2012

One mystery vintage compact



The second item that Joe spotted at our poke in the Antiques Mall was one mysterious vintage compact. After pouring our eyes over the compacts there [none of which really grabbed me] we found one compact bagged up, the bag being stapled shut and a price of $6.50 labelled upon it. It looked a bit of a state and another label covered what remained of it's original powder label on it's bottom so no assumptions over it's manufacture could be really made, but for the price it was going it was a bit of a thrill taking the risk. Then on a closer inspection I could see a J and an R initial design upon the top - matching mine and Joe's that alone compelled me [well for Joe] to buy it. 

Getting back to the car and a quick pulling and grabbed it out of it's bag opening it up revealed a complete tray of powder, an intact and fairly clear mirror and a clean unused Coty puff. As a manufacturer Coty went between marking and not marking their compacts, if they didn't have a powder well lid often their brand name could be found on the powder label on the bottom, but as I've previously mentioned this was covered by a sticky label and my careful attempts to take it off just parted what remained of the label - this is why stickers should never be used upon vintage or antique items, ever. The top of the compact itself has a fabric metal appearance, with parts of the top being marked [can't complain with the price paid however]. The initialed design could even have been added later as there seems to be glue marks surrounding the metal which should never have been there if it was originally produced with the compact. 

This compact is a bit of a mystery and one I'll keep looking into. But I guess that's part of the fun, right?

17 comments:

  1. Obviously it was meant for you, having the correct initials! Very nice compact.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  2. Gorgeous! I love things like this, it's lovely having an item that has a bit of history behind it! Xo

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  3. Wow, whether it's a mystery or not it's such a little beauty! What a great and interesting find!!

    xoxo

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  4. What a coincidence to have both of your initials on it..seriously like it was meant for you to find. That's awesome.

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    1. Yeah it was really weird, I mean I could understand if it was just one of ours, but both?! Weird indeedy!

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  5. Mind you seeing my surname initials now begin with a J it's my full name, but I prefer saying it's mine and Joe's initials. It did actually take me this long to figure that out #dim moment!

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  6. This is such a lovely compact and I love that the letters make it even more special

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    1. I was tempted when I first saw it if it wasn't any good to try and sell it, but then I saw the initials and now it's definitely for keeps!

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  7. It was meant to be if it had both of your initials on it! X

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  8. Lovely compact and it is so sweet that it has the J and R initials. :)

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  9. I adore that compact! How amazing with the initials too! xx
    Ella @ Belle Vintage

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  10. how adorable! i want to find some vintage treasure that has mr. taylor and i's initials. perfect!!
    xo TJ

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  11. I would definitely say that the mystery is part of the fun! Life needs to have a little mystery to it.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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    1. Yeah if it was all simple it would be too easy. I love the hunt of trying to find nice things in markets and antique malls. Even if you don't find anything that would suit, at least you had fun.

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  12. Oooh. I love a good mystery! The JR looks gorgeous! and it seems like it was totally meant for you and Joe to get together! :)
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

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  13. this is so beautiful not to buy i am happy u got it

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