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Lot 196:
Description
An early 20th-century handheld vanity compact or lidded box of banjo-shaped form, dating circa 1920-1940. The piece is constructed from gilt metal, likely gold-plated brass, and features a circular body with a hinged lid and an elegant, turned baluster-style handle. The exterior is finely decorated with a machine-turned guilloché ground, overlaid with a repeating pattern of embossed quatrefoil floral motifs. The interior reveals a shallow circular compartment finished with a white opaque lining, possibly enamel or a composition material. While the form shares similarities with military banjo-style oil cans, the decorative finish and hinged lid suggest use as a vanity item or portable silent butler. No hallmarks, maker’s marks, or signatures are visible on the object.
Body diameter: 1.75 inches (4.5 cm)
Total length including handle: 3.5 inches (9 cm).
Condition report:
The item is in good antique condition. There is visible wear to the gilt finish, showing the base metal beneath (brassing), most notably on the raised sections of the handle and around the rims of the circular case. The hinge mechanism is intact and functional, allowing the lid to close securely and flush. The white interior lining shows light surface staining and discolouration but remains free of significant chips or cracks.
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