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.