Vintage 1930's Compact Carry All Purse or Minaudiere   

This is a beautiful goldtone hinged compact purse to hold cosmetics, and other necessities for an evening out on the town. The manufacturer is Elgin American of Elgin Illinois, USA. The finish is both polished and textured with antelope or gazelle leaping through curved foliage. This Art Deco theme is on both sides of the carry all. The purse is stamped with the hallmark, MADE in USA and PAT.PEND.  The exterior of the compact is in excellent condition with the following conditions to note: One Elgin American hallmark is on one end of the purse and set on a spring. The spring is apparently slightly bent so the plaque which shows through the slot is slightly off kilter. The exterior finish has two minute darkened spots and a dried-on substance about 3/4" x 1/2" on the opposite end from the hallmark, which I could not easily clean off. The purchaser may or may not want to try and remove it.

The interior features 5 compartments. One had held a lipstick tube which is now missing. Opposite the lipstick well is another well with a trefoil shaped clip. I believe this was a money or match clip. Next to the money clip is a mirrored compartment to hold cigarettes or other necessities. The silvering on the mirror shows slight deterioration on the edges. Opposite the mirror are two covered compartments which were meant to hold loose face powder and perhaps rouge. The rouge compartment is empty and the powder compartment has the original unused puff and powder screen. The stitching around the puff has let go on 3 sides. It could be glued down or stitched together. Each of these compartments open and close by a spring loaded button which both function perfectly.

The compact can be carried within the black taffeta  box purse which has a 10.5" inch long handle, an open face on one side and a snapped pocket on the other which opens up to a secret pocket inside. The purse is lined in black satin which is pulling away from the front open face. It can be glued down. The taffeta exterior shows minor wear and the receiving side of the snap closure has a piece of border metal broken off but the snap is fully functional. A bit of glue or Fray Check will keep the fabric from raveling and causing further problems.

Add this classy minaudiere / compact carry all purse, from a ritzy by-gone era, to your evening accessories collection!