Description
This is a very streamline late Art Deco sterling silver lady’s compact marked Mary Dunhill, sterling. Guaranteed solid sterling silver…..not plated. Size is just over 3″ across east to west by 2 1/8″ north to south. Height is 1/2″ tall. Weight without the powder puff and mesh insert is 60.5 grams. It has its original mirror, powder and mesh insert intact. The locking clasp is well aligned, strong and secure. You can hear the loud snap when it is closed and it stays closed. The sterling silver is thick, solid and very well made. It has 2 very small shallow dings on the lid one of which is too tiny to see in the photos. The other is center right on photo of lid and again, very minor. well as overall surface age scuffs. Being from an estate from many decades ago it has not been professionally polished out to remove any scuffs in many, many years. No monogram or monogram removal. All original, Never altered or modified. A lovely original 1930s-1940s luxury brand compact for you antique and vintage sterling silver ladies’ accessories collection or for your personal vanity.
ABOUT MARY DUNHILL STERLING COMPACTS:
-
- Substantial Materials: Unlike mass-produced brass or plated vanity items of the era, her premium line features solid sterling silver (.925 purity). They have a satisfying heft, typically weighing between 55 to 65 grams gross weight for a standard 3-inch oval piece.
- Precision Engineering: Collectors frequently note that the lids close completely flush with a secure, push-button clasp mechanism that resists warping over time. The interior frames were built to hold bevelled glass mirrors tightly, alongside custom-fitted powder screens. [
- Art Deco Design Finish: True to the Streamline Moderne aesthetic, the quality is evident in the minimalist, highly-polished surfaces and precise engine-turned geometric engraving. They were sold as high-end vanity pieces at her dedicated Mary Dunhill Salons. [
- Collectibility & Value: Because of their premium build and the historic Dunhill family name, these sterling silver compacts hold their value well. Depending on the condition, presence of a monogram, and rarity of the stamps, they typically appraise between $100 to $250+ on vintage marketplaces like Etsy and eBay.
- The Maker’s Mark: High-quality authentic pieces will be cleanly stamped with
"Sterling Mary Dunhill"on the inner rim or bottom side. Occasionally, you may find an incredibly rare version stamped"Mary Dunhill - New York", which commands a premium. - Hinge and Clasp Alignment: Open and close the lid. High-quality pieces should not feel loose or sit crookedly at the hinge line.
- Silver Condition: Look closely for deep dents. While light surface tarnish and micro-abrasions are normal for 80-year-old silver, the thick gauge of sterling used by Dunhill means they prone to fewer deep “dings” than thinner competitor compacts
