This gorgeous old powder case was made by the American Stopper Company. Female designer Ella May Lichtenstein patented and designed this case to hold a ladies face powder in 1902 for the American Stopper Company. Also known as a vanity case, it is a very early version of a ladies compact. Lithographed tin, the mirror is built in to the underside of the case, it twists/ pulls open, and the powder went inside. Inside reads, “Blue Danube Vanity Box.”

There is wear to the enamel on the top center as seen in photos. This is an extremely rare and early American compact collectible certainly deserving of museum inclusion.

Read more history:

http://collectingvintagecompacts.blogspot.com/2011/05/american-stopper-company-colourful.html?m=1