Suggested to me that this is definitely a product designed by Artist:JEAN DUNAND (Lancy, 1877 - Paris 1942) whose major works are often worked in enamels rather than covered in shagreen (French: galuchat) which is the belly leather of stingray. I've been able to find comparable objects of his but with DUNAND signature on that tiny clasp lip, and initially thought mine does not have that, but under magnification, it does have signature. ("Compact measurements: 5 x 2.2 cm. Lipstick case measurements: 4.5 x 1.2 cm. Reference bibliography: Jean Dunand, vie et Oeuvre - Félix Marcilhac, Les éditions de l’Amateur, Paris, 1991. Decorative Art.") This one does not have that. Jean Dunand compacts sell for many $thousands, so I am not prepared to claim this little beauty is one, despite the center punch mark inside of the matching compact and lipstick that was from the same estate, and is being sold separately - shown in a few of the group photos with this single and slightly thicker compact. I'm prepared after more research to say yes, most likely, it was a Jean Dunand production made for retail through the major fashion houses of Paris. What I can tell you is the compact shown here with attached lipstick holder was found along with this compact out of an estate disbursal of finest quality goods (sold separately). Final panel shows the reference comparison compact/lipstick and the same marks as mine offered here, and the slightly smaller matching compact with its fully intact lipstick (sold separately) The full measurements are noted on the photos.
"Jean Dunand was a Swiss-born French Art Deco master famous for his work with metal, eggshell inlay, and Asian lacquer techniques, often incorporating exotic materials like shagreen (shark or stingray skin, also called galuchat) into luxury items and furniture." (quoting Phillips Auction)
Very good to excellent condition, the pair of etui, compacts is 100 years old give or take a year or two. Art Deco, it is heavy for size, and the quality is evident at every aspect. A smoothly veneered shagreen leather in finest scale - itself indicating the luxuriousness of the set. The lipstick easily and smoothly rotates to lift a commercial lipstick insert, yet is clean without staining. Beveled mirror inside lid of compact is excellent, undamaged. Bright unpolished interior suggests a dore alloy beyond brass, and it is quite heavy for size. No loss to shagreen, no bends no dents. Very nicely preserved and obviously high quality.
