WISDOM & SECURITY

KIGU of LONDON

VINTAGE POWDER COMPACT

This compact measures 3“ in diameter x 1/2 deep, and was made in the late 1960s by KIGU of London  

The gold-plated case enhanced with lucite domed lid over silver leafed owl with inscription: L.V.N.H. WISDOM & SECURITY.  The compact remains in its new unused condition since late 1960s.  It has a strong hinge and a positive closure and closes with a great snap-sound.  The lid carries the original framed glass mirror with good reflective surface.  The base is gorgeous - gold-plated in engine-turned-stardust design and is in as new condition.   The powder well contains KIGU original insert that reads that this compact is convertible for loose and solid powders and that

    “KIGU PLUS” sifter is washable, hygienic and of lasting quality

PATENTED

TO REMOVE EMPTY CONTAINER INSERT NAIL FILE INTO GAP

The sifter is made of a white lucite and the puff is inscribed with KUGU of London, however the button part has deteriorated from age and discarded.  The compact is in excellent working order and comes in KIGU box. The box is like new.  This is one-of-a-kind compact.   Today LVNH stands for LVMH that controls about 60 subsidiaries that manage a number of prestigious fashion brands that include Christian Dior, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Loro Piana, Kenzo, Celine, Princess Yachts, and Bulgari.

JOSEF KIASCHEK, master Goldsmith, created the first ever Kigu Powder Compact in his workshops in Budapest, Hungary. His son, GUSTAV subsequently founded KIGU in Budapest and was the creator of fine hand-made compacts.  Gustav raised three sons, Charles, Paul and George. Charles settled in New York to pursue his career as a goldsmith. George moved to London where he founded KIGU of LONDON and was later joined by his brother Paul in post-war years.  Kigu's reputation for quality of design, innovation and quality remained unsurpassed during the boom years for Powder Compacts. Exports were made to most countries throughout the world where the KIGU brand became a household name.  Upon George's death in 1977, his son David joined the Company having just completed studies at University and took the brand through until the early 1980's at which-time the famous KIGU brand was acquired by A.S. Brown Mfg. who themselves had their own range of MASCOT compacts. 

Subsequently, Laughton & Sons. acquired both the KIGU and MASCOT brands to add to their own STRATTON compact brand.