Vanity Items Value & Price Guide

Vanity items represent a glamorous era of personal grooming, encompassing everything from ornate powder compacts to delicate perfume bottles. These collectibles offer a glimpse into the evolving beauty standards and artistic movements of the 20th century, making them highly sought after by decorators and historians alike.

Price Range: $40 - $57 based on recent sales

History of Vanity Items

The golden age of vanity items flourished during the early to mid-20th century, heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement and the rise of Hollywood glamour. As makeup became more socially acceptable and portable in the 1920s, manufacturers began producing elaborate accessories like the 'Golden Gesture' hand compacts and intricate porcelain dresser trays to cater to the modern woman. By the mid-century, brands like Stratton and Stylebuilt dominated the market, turning everyday grooming tools into status symbols made of brass, gold-tone metals, and fine glass. These items were often gifted for special occasions, leading to the diverse range of heart-shaped bottles and decorative mirrors found in collections today.

Value Factors for Vanity Items

The typical price range for Vanity Items is $40 - $57 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material quality, such as the use of sterling silver, brass, or hand-painted porcelain.
• The presence of original enamel work or intricate filigree designs that remain intact without wear.
• Rarity of the specific shape or theme, particularly novelty designs like the Volupte hand-shaped compacts.
• Condition of the mirrors and glass, where silvering loss or cloudiness can impact the aesthetic appeal.

Tips for Buying Vanity Items

• Check for original puff pads and sifters in compacts, as missing internal components can significantly decrease the item's resale value.
• Examine glass perfume bottles for 'flea bites' or small chips around the stopper and neck, which are common areas for damage.
• Verify the functionality of hinges and clasps on lipstick cases and jewelry caskets to ensure they remain practical for display or use.
• Look for reputable maker marks such as Volupte, Stratton, or Zell, which often command higher prices due to their historical craftsmanship.

Items in This Collection

• Art Deco Powder Jar
• Zell Fifth Avenue Powder Compact
• Decorative Compact Mirror
• Vintage Chinese Hand Mirror
• Vintage Brass Lipstick Case
• Celeste Lipstick Holder Value & Price Guide
• Porcelain Dresser Tray Value & Price Guide
• Heart-Shaped Perfume Bottle
• Volupte Golden Gesture Compact
• Vintage Stratton Compact Mirror
• Stylebuilt Jewelry Casket
• Vintage Perfume Bottles
• Vintage Clear Glass Perfume Bottle
• Hand Mirror Value & Price Guide