Antique Austrian .900 Silver-Gilt Handbag Powder Compact with Mirror, Circa 1920

  

Authentic and beautiful Austrian Art Deco / Art Nouveau ladies’ handbag powder compact (or pocket mirror). A superb collectible piece of fine silverwork, ideal for collectors of display pieces or high-end vintage makeup accessories.

Decoration: The lid features exquisite guilloché decoration with fine parallel lines and a delicately chased botanical motif depicting bunches of grapes and vine leaves.

Material: Solid 900 silver (90% pure silver).

Luxury interior: Retains its original mirror with a beautiful bevelled edge and its powder compartment.

A particularly fine detail is the layer of vermeil (gold plating over solid silver) beneath the powder sifter, which protects the metal from tarnishing.

Marks and hallmarks: Clearly hallmarked on the push-button clasp. Austrian state assay hallmark (hoopoe head) with the 900 fineness mark. Silversmith’s and maker’s marks bearing the initials GK and zw. Also bears a round inspection mark.

Dimensions: Square format, 6 cm x 6 cm.

Weight: 60 grams (including the mirror).

Condition: Excellent overall condition, with a perfectly functioning clasp and an intact mirror. Minor signs of wear consistent with its age—see photos.