95.00 USD
This is an original vintage Paul Flato gold plated powder compact. It has a sassy pattern of deeply embossed and debossed stars, studded with rhinestone centers. Definitely Hollywood glam fit for his long list of movie star clients which included Greta Garbo, Mae West, Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Doris Duke, Ginger Rogers, Carmen Miranda, Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Gloria Vanderbilt—many of whom wore his pieces on screen.
It's in very nice condition. There is one discolored area on the bottom (possibly from a perfume or alcohol spill?) that does not affect the integrity of this beautiful compact in any way. There is also some light scuffing on the bottom. It has a gorgeous gold plated lid and interior finish.
The compact opens to an empty hallmarked "FLATO" covered powder compartment as well as a nice mirror in great condition. No chips or cracks. All hinges and closures work perfectly. Includes the original Flato signed velour powder puff. In gently used condition, with slight trace of powder.
The square compact measures 2 ¾” x 2 ¾”.
These compacts are very collectible, and becoming increasingly hard to find and expensive to purchase. This is a great piece of Hollywood history that would be a great investment for your vintage compact collection.
Some history:
Paul Edmund Flato (September 1, 1900 – July 17, 1999), was a popular American jeweler, based in New York City from the 1920s to the early 1940s. Considered the first celebrity jeweler, he was well known for important jewelry, and as an early proponent of whimsical pieces. He was touted as the first of the major American jewelers to do highly imaginative work on a par with the premiere European jewelers.
Paul Flato was well known for "witty and flamboyant designs" and Art Deco jewelry, which since his death regularly fetches hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.