Vintage compact powder best case with mirror

New compact powder case with mirror. It's a compact with a enamel of viola and other wild flowers.

Dimensions: 2.5INCH in diameter.

Compacts date from the early 1900s, a time when make-up had not gained widespread social acceptance and the first powder cases were often concealed within best accessories such as walking sticks, jewellery or hatpins.

From 1896, American handbag manufacturer Whiting & Davis created lidded compartments in its bags where powder rouge and combs could be stowed. In 1908, Sears' catalogue advertised a silver-plated case with mirror and powder puff (price 19 cents) and described it as small enough to fit in a handbag.