Powder Compacts. Below are some examples of powder compacts including a French 18 carat gold compact and a ruby compact decorated with birds by Boucheron
Powder compact by Asprey Made by Asprey & Co. Limited in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom, Europe, 1940-1950. Square hinged silver powder compact decorated on the outside with fine engine turned undulating lines, a plain border and gilt garland clasp. Inside lid is a beveled mirror within a gilt frame. A hinged inner cover decorated with the same fine engine turned decoration as the exterior opens to reveal the internal gilt surface of the compact.
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
Gem set and diamond powder compact, 1960s Of rectangular checked pattern design, the thumbpiece set with engraved rubies and emerald, highlighted by brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds, opening to reveal a mirror and a powder compartment, measuring approximately 80 x 66 x 10mm, French assay marks for 18 carat gold, maker’s mark, gross weight 146.55 grams.
Sold for 4,000 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2019
A French 18 carat gold and enamel compact engraved ‘Lacloche Frères’, import marks for Lacloche Frères, London 1922, French marks for Paris 18 carat gold, maker’s mark of Strauss, Allard & Meyer Rectangular with cusped corners, the front and back with red enamel panels with black sides, the front panel decorated with a Japanese landscape scene and a platinum diamond-studded shou symbol, the pearl thumb-piece pushing in to reveal a mirror, a powder section and lipstick holder with black enamel petals, length 8.7cm, weight total 172gms.
Sold for £ 9,437 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
RUBY POWDER COMPACT, BOUCHERON Cabochon rubies, 18K gold (750) and silver (800), French marks, circa 1950, 8.0 x 6.3 x 1.7 cm, gross weight: 168.48 g, signed Boucheron Paris
Sold for EUR 1,250 at Christie’s in 2019
Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Compact, Tiffany & Co. 14 kt., one square-cut sapphire, 4 old European-cut diamonds ap. .30 ct., interior with mirror, powder puff with gold handle & powder, gold chain & ring, signed Tiffany & Co., ap. 26.8 dwts. gross.
Sold for $1,375 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2019
Hand-painted enamel depicting young lovers resting while fishing between daily chores, with vermeil interior having a mirror and powder well.
Sold for $100 at Roland NY in 2019
