Collecting Vintage Compacts

Compacts became quite popular during the 1920's & 1930's, there are some much older, however, society was starting to accept women wearing make-up and of course the market became flooded with them.  There are so many different types, styles & materials giving Compact Collectors a large variety to add to their collections.


Compacts can be found in many flea markets and antique shops, usually locked in a lock box.  Every once in awhile I get lucky and find them at an auction or yard sale.  


Here are two great examples of beautiful vintage Compacts. This first one is a Stratton Compact.  It has a beautiful floral design, on the back side it has a textured shiny gold color.  It measures 3" in diameter, inside there is a cover compartment that holds the powder and on the other side there is a mirror.

The Compact below is a Art Deco Compact.  It's made of Celluloid and foil.  This one is marked Gwenda, Made in England, and "Tap Flap".  A Tap Flap is an inner cover inside the compact to hold the powder in place.  It is held in place with a small spring and when you tap it, it will release a small amount of powder.  It is smaller that the Stratton compact, measuring only 2 1/8". Both are beautiful, both brought $25 during a recent consignment auction.