Collecting antique compacts is a fun and beautiful way to connect with our social history. Compacts are considered antique jewelry, something to remember when searching for these gorgeous treasures. Read on to learn collect vintage compacts.
Instructions
1. Learn about the different styles or manufacturers you are most interested in. This could be a particular era such as the 1940s (also known as Retro), or a particular style. Limoges and Stratton are among the most popular manufacturers of vintage compacts.
2. Invest in a good vintage compact buyer's guide. A great one to check out is the "Vintage & Vogue Ladies' Compacts Identification & Value Guide: Identification & Value Guide," available at Amazon and major book retailers.
3. Look for vintage compacts at flea markets, estate sales, garage sales and rummage sales. Also, consider antique stores and pawn shops but be prepared to pay a price closer to the actual value of the piece than you would at flea markets or estate sales.
4. Understand what a vintage compact in good condition looks like. Latches, the mirror and other pieces should be solidly in place. Expect some discoloration in the powder, paint and metal as well as some cloudiness in the mirrors. Hints of green metal on a compact indicates corrosion.
5. Clean your vintage compact collection properly. Always remove any powder still in the compact as the perfumes in the powder can discolor the metal. The inside can be cleaned with antibacterial soap, the mirror with glass cleaner and the outside with only metal polish.
6. Store compacts properly by removing the sifter and puff, which should be stored separately. Wrap in acid-free tissue paper. Put in a soft, cloth pouch.
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