Description
This is a round black enamel compact with a central reverse carved bouquet design centre. It is made by a British company called Melissa. Lucite compacts were very popular in the 1950s. Lucite was less expensive than galalith or bakelite. This compact is made for loose powder. It has the distinctive pear drop catch to open the powder lid. Even if a compact is not marked – you know it is Melissa by this catch. The compact has been used – but not very much I think. There is a little residue powder on the filter. Otherwise it is in good condition. The mirror is fine and the black enamel and the lucite is not scratched. It is marked on the inside under the mirror – ‘Melissa Made in England’. It measures about 2 3/4 inches in diameter. It has a black material pouch which may not be original – it is rectangular rather than round! Very difficult to photograph – took me ages to get images that were acceptable. Sorry about the piece of blue tack which I did not remove! If you want to know more about Melissa I would recommend the blog on ‘TheVintageCompactShop.Com’ site – ‘Melissa and Regent of London Powder Compacts’ 16.10.19. It is very informative.
Ref: 3396 D44/40
