This is an extraordinary example of Belle Époque luxury. Known as a "necessaire," this French-made minaudière was the height of fashion in the early 1900s - a portable vanity designed to carry a lady's entire evening's needs in one palm-sized gold case.
This clever "gadget" purse is packed with hidden features:
1. Vanity Compartments: Two internal hinged lids reveal compartments for loose powder and rouge; and a dedicated shallow compartment specifically for a miniature powder puff.
2. Original Writing Slate & Pencil: Features a genuine celluloid leaf (the "permanent" memo pad of the era) and its original matching gold-tone mechanical pencil, which slides into the side.
3. Coin Holders: Two spring-loaded dispensers designed to hold coins for tips or transportation.
4. Card/Note Clip: A beautiful, stylised clover-shaped spring clip to keep banknotes or calling cards secure.
5. Original Mirror: The interior lid features the original glass mirror, showing a light, authentic "clouding" that proves its antique age.
6. Integrated Link Chain: A dainty yet strong gold-tone chain, allowing the piece to be carried as a wristlet or "dance purse."
7. The Finial: Topped with a striking sapphire-blue glass cabochon thumb-piece for easy opening.
This piece is not merely gold-toned; it features the prestigious French hallmark "Plaqué Or 18ct" engraved on the interior clover-shaped spring clip. This signifies a high-quality 18-karat gold plating (rolled gold) that has maintained its rich, deep buttery gold luster for over a century.
A sophisticated "shagreen" textured exterior resists fingerprints and provides a stunning, subtle shimmer.
While this is a museum-quality antique, it remains wonderfully functional for the modern woman.
The interior clover clip, originally for calling cards, is the perfect size for modern credit cards, an ID, or folded banknotes. The Writing Slate still works perfectly for quick "analog" reminders and notes. The powder and lipstick compartments can still be used as intended, or as pill/trinket boxes.
It fits comfortably in the palm or dangles elegantly from the wrist, providing a level of vintage glamour that modern accessories simply cannot replicate.
Wonderful antique condition - the gold plating remains rich and bright with minimal wear consistent with age and use.All hinges are tight, the coin springs remain snappy, and the clasp closes securely. Minor surface wear (a micro chip in the corner), aged foxing on the mirror, which adds to its authentic 100-year-old character.
Dimensions:
Case - 9,5cm x 6cm x 1,5cm
Chain length - 38cm end to end
Weight - 234g
