Vintage 18K Solid Gold Diamond Floral Vanity Compact Lipstick Comb French 1950s

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Vintage 18K Solid Gold Diamond Floral Vanity Compact Lipstick Comb French 1950s:
$45000.00

VINTAGE FRENCH 18K SOLID GOLD AND DIAMOND VANITY CASE - ENGRAVED FLORAL MOTIF - POP-UP LIPSTICK, HIDDEN SPRING COMB, POWDER COMPARTMENT AND BEVELED MIRROR - CIRCA 1950s

You are offerding on one of the most extraordinary vintage gold vanity cases we have offered. This exceptional rectangular compact is crafted entirely in solid 18-karat yellow gold, weighs 310 grams, and incorporates four fully functional mechanisms concealed within its elegant exterior: a pop-up lipstick holder, a spring-loaded hidden tortoiseshell comb, a powder compartment, and a large beveled mirror. The exterior is entirely covered in a finely engraved floral and botanical motif, and the lid is set with approximately nine to ten clusters of pavé round brilliant diamonds centered in white metal bezels serving as the centers of the engraved flowers, totaling approximately one carat in diamonds. French assay hallmarks are stamped on the interior, confirming 18-karat gold purity and French origin, consistent with the finest luxury goldsmith ateliers of 1950s Paris.

EXTERIOR AND DESIGN

The entire exterior of this vanity case — all surfaces, including the lid, base, and sides — is worked in a hand-engraved floral garden motif featuring flowers in full bloom, buds, and flowing botanical foliage rendered with extraordinary precision and depth. The engraving is rich and dimensional, showcasing the skill of a master goldsmith working in the great French tradition of decorative gold objects. Set at intervals among the engraved flowers are clusters of pavé-set round brilliant diamonds in individual white metal bezel settings, each cluster mimicking the center of a flower, creating a sparkling accent throughout the floral garden design. The beveled corners give the compact a refined, architectural silhouette.

INTERIOR AND MECHANISMS

The interior of this vanity case is a triumph of mid-century fine goldsmithing engineering. Opening the case reveals a large full-width beveled mirror fitted inside the lid, which is in excellent condition and appears virtually unused. The base contains the following elements:

Powder Compartment: The main chamber provides a polished gold powder basin suitable for face powder.

Pop-Up Lipstick Holder: A triangular wedge section with its own hinged top lifts to reveal an original lipstick applicator. The mechanism operates smoothly and correctly. The original lipstick remains but will need to be replaced.

Spring-Loaded Hidden Comb: The most remarkable feature of this vanity case is the concealed spring-loaded comb, made of amber-toned tortoiseshell-effect cellulose acetate, that is hidden within the interior and springs open when released, allowing it to be used as a full-size hair comb. This mechanism is in perfect working order.

The ingenuity of fitting all four functions into a single compact object at this level of craftsmanship is exceptional even by the standards of Paris luxury goldsmithing.

HALLMARKS AND PROVENANCE

French assay hallmarks are stamped on the interior of the compact, confirming 18-karat gold (750/1000) purity and French manufacture. The quality, weight, and complexity of the mechanisms are consistent with the production of a major Paris luxury goldsmith house of the 1950s. During this era, the great Paris jewelers and goldsmiths — including Boucheron, Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier, and their peers — produced extraordinary vanity cases of this type for a wealthy international clientele. At 310 grams of solid 18-karat gold, this compact is one of the heaviest and most substantial gold vanity cases we have encountered.

NOTE ON GOLD VALUE

The intrinsic gold content of this piece — 310 grams of solid 18K gold — represents approximately 232 grams of pure gold, currently worth in excess of $22,000 at prevailing gold prices. This piece carries extraordinary material value entirely apart from its artistic and historical significance.