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Compact in Original Case

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Beatrice Fox (American, 1887 - 1968)

ManufacturerManufactured by Van Cleef & Arpels (French, founded 1898)

Date1930-1950

MediumCompact (.a): Gold frame with enameled sides, set with diamond chips; silk and wool powder puffs and pressed powder and rouge on glass slides Case (.b): Suede covered metal case lined with silk satin; brass hardware

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width x height of compact): 2 7/8 x 2 x 1/2in. (7.3 x 5.1 x 1.3cm) Other (width x depth x length of case): 3 1/2 x 1 x 4 1/4in. (8.9 x 2.5 x 10.8cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Richard Koopman

Object number1986.214.5a,b

Description(.a) Gold compact on chain with sides done in black enamel; front cover is inset with the initials "BFA" in a circle set with diamond chips. The lid opens when lifted to a divided compartment with two rectangular gold silk powder puffs lined with wool. The larger compartment holds a glass slide of pressed powder and the smaller one holds one of pressed rouge. The back of both slides are labeled with the name of the New York cosmetics manufacturer who made the refills. Interior has two slide-out ends, one holds a lipstick and the other is a refillable perfume flask with screw-off cap. A ten-inch long chain handle alternates two rectangular gold links with a rod-shaped metal bead in black enamel (eight beads total).

(.b) The hard clamshell case is covered in dove gray suede and has A brass thumb piece; the lid is lined with white satin stamped in gold with an image of the Place Vendôme in Paris and the words,"VAN CLEEF & ARPELS / 22 PLACE VENDÔME / PARIS"; the suede lining is stamped in the bottom right hand corner, "METAL DEPOSE / 'LE STYPTOR'"

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