Rare Antique Makeup Compact Vintage Collectible Americana German Silver 1912 Washington Market NYC William Schimper Floral Unpolished Locket listing is for an antique makeup compact from 1912 commemorating the 100 years of the Washington Market in New York City, which first opened in 1812. The compact is engraved with beautiful flowers and "Washington Market 1812-1912 Centennial" on the front and "German Silver" on the back and measures approximately 2x2 inches. It has never been polished in the 40 years since it's been in my possession.

"As well as making the mirror/powder box the company also made small, portable, loose powder cases which were designed to be worn as a locket. Another example of 'hiding in plain sight'. Examples of such locket powder boxes are quite rare and more often than not they were made as mementos, souvenirs or as advertising novelties. Despite the William Schimper Co being one of the first American manufacturers of brass and German silver portable vanity cases, their manufacture never became a mainstream activity. The company seemed to be content to produce the same basic case designs for the ten years between 1910 and 1920 but in the same period cosmetic use in America had exploded and fashions had changed." (Collecting Vintage Compacts Blogspot)