Rare 1920s Flapper Fan Compact - Tortoiseshell Celluloid Purse Clip with Lipstick & Powder Mirror - Art Deco Vanity

Rare 1920s Art Deco Vanity Accessory - Not a Bookmark!

For sale - Genuine 1920s Flapper era novelty compact. This is a 3-in-1 purse accessory from the Roaring 20s.

Found in Dublin house clearance with Jerusalem box, ebony crucifixes and other vintage travel souvenirs from 1920s-1960s.

What it is:

This is a Figural Fan Vanity Clip, also called a "Dance Purse Compact". Ladies in the 1920s clipped it to their dress or evening bag.

1. Top: 6-blade folding fan made from faux tortoiseshell celluloid. Opens to approx 8cm wide. Joined with original fabric tape and brass rivet. Beautiful amber mottling typical of early celluloid.

2. Middle: Working spring clip with engraved gold detail on sides. Clips onto a purse, pocket or book. This is why many list it as a "bookmark clip" but it was for a handbag.

3. Bottom - The Vanity Part:
◦ Small bullet-shaped tube: Original retractable lipstick holder. Brass tube with red paint transfer inside from 100 years of storage - still there.
◦ Round compartment: Powder compact with original small mirror inside. Mirror is aged / cloudy as expected.

Size: 11cm long when closed, fan 8cm wide when open. Fits in palm of hand.

Material: Early celluloid (early plastic) imitation tortoiseshell. NOT real tortoise shell - this is 1920s celluloid.

Condition: As photographed, honest 100-year-old condition:
• Working clip and fan mechanism.
• Surface crazing and wear on back plate where it rubbed on purse - shown in photo 2.
• Mirror is cloudy, powder pan is empty.
• Lipstick tube has old red residue.
• NOT cleaned or polished - celluloid cannot be cleaned with chemicals.

This is a survivor. Most of these broke or melted. Complete with both lipstick and powder sections is rare.

Highly collectible for Art Deco, flapper, vanity compact, and celluloid collectors. Look up "1920s fan compact vanity