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A brief history of Ladies Compacts   A History of Ladies Compacts Ladies Powder compacts have been around for Centuries in some shape or form.  These would comprise any form of container that would store face powder.  There have been examples of powder compacts dating back to the Egyptian times right through to the present day.  There are a number of terms that are associated with the different forms and features of compacts.  The most common form is a mirrored compact which usually has an internal mirror and powder reservoir encased in a base and lid, these come in all shapes and sizes.  Flapjacks is a name given to mirrored compacts that are very thin, almost flat.  Another form of compact is the reticule which is a drawstring bag that incorporates a compartment and or a mirror.  Carryalls are larger items with a handle that typically incorporate a powder reservoir, mirror with combinations of other features such as a cigarette case, money holder, lipsticks and rouge compartments.  Necessaires are similar in feature to a carryall except they do not have a handle.    During the 19th Century was when Compacts as we know them today really started to be produced in any number.  Usually compacts made up until the end of the 19th Century were made for the affluent from precious metals such as gold and silver.  Good examples of these come from Austria which usually feature elaborate and detailed enamelling showing scenes of the day.  The turn of the 20th Century saw the start of mass production of compacts and proliferation to the everyday lady.  After the Great War (World War I) production of compacts increased and we start to see the use of Early Plastics alongside cheaper base metals.  The 1920's and 1930's was dominated by Art Deco designs which were dominated by the USA.  During the Second World War production of compacts almost ceased completely, although there are examples of compacts being created in cheaper materials such as plastic, tin and even wood.  The 1950's saw the peak of compact production with a myriad of designs and styles.  This period also saw the consolidation of a number of compact manufacturers through into the 1960's.  The 1960's and 70's was where the decline in demand occurred and by the 1980's the manufacture of compacts almost ceased except for disposable containers.  Today there are hardly any compact manufacturers at all, notable exceptions are Estee Lauder and Stratton, but the overall quality has considerably dropped.   Return to Top