Posted 12 years ago
Agram.m
(760 items)
Dear collectors,
this box was given to me and because I have no sense of this kind of pieces I'm looking for your help. The box is gold coloured. There is a mirror, completely intact comb, a lipstick, powder and an empty box. Marked AGME, made in Switserland. Can you tell me how old this box is and whether this is a collectors item? All the things that you could tell me more about this are of course welcome.
We have some folks here that can help. I would guess 50s.
Thanks BELLIN68 andAmberRose you helped and hope there are folks here knowing still more about this box.
Manikin ans mustangtony thanks for loving!
Hi, Agram! Beautiful vanity case. I found a vanity case by the same maker - 1960's vintage. That item is still in its original box, so there is no mistaking the company name - it is "AGME". (Seond link.) The MOP squares were common on vanity cases - or powder compacts - circa 1950s, 1960s, I think. I think that your beautiful vanity case might even be earlier than the 1950's. I don't have a lot of expertise with vanity cases, but in my limited experience, most of the ones with interiors like this are much earlier than the fifties. The bottom of the lipstick tube might hold a clue.
http://www.perfectlyvintage.co.uk/vintage_compacts/?id=1268
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74696566/1960s-agme-switzerland-mother-of-pearl
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-SWISS-AGME-COMPACT-GOLDTONE-MOP-INSET-POWDER-SIEVE-BEVELED-MIRROR-LOVELY-/120997237656?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2bff5398
Hello miKKoChristmas11,what in interesting comment. And after looking very carefully you are right the company name is "AGME" so the problem is solved.But I have a translating problem: what is a MOP square? The word square I know but MOP? And it's a pity but the bottom of the lipstick don't give any more clue. I think the box is indeed a little bit older than the 60s. But do you have any idea what is the value? I really don't have any idea in what value I have to think. You could do me a great favour to answer my questions. Thanks in advance, awaiting your news !
You're most welcome, Agram! Very pleased that I could help a little; wish I knew more about this beautiful compact.
"MOP" means "Mother of Pearl". I meant that I took a quick look around and found more compacts/vanity cases with these square Mother of Pearl pieces than I expected to find. So, the MOP squares once were a "style". I sent an email to a collector of compacts and vanity cases after I posted my comments. I wanted to ask her more about AGME and about this compact. I provided a link to the photos of your show and tell item. I will let you know what her response is when I receive it. RE value. It's hard to say, since yours is in excellent condition and is a more deluxe model than the AGME compacts I saw this morning during my quick tour. I did see simpler compacts - with facial powder only, or with facial powder and lipstick - selling for perhaps $50. Because I don't really know a lot about vanity cases, my estimate would be just a guess. I could ask the collector when she answers. (Her email is info@vintage-compacts.com .) Does the empty compartment have residue that looks like rouge? If not, perhaps it held a powder puff. Thank you very much for your kind comments, Agram!
miKKoChristmas11 you are a great help. I know now already a lot more than when I posted this box. Thanks for the email address of the collector of campacts and vanity cases. The empty compartment don't have any residue that looks like rouge the space is very "clean" so what it was about that's besites the eventually value another question. I'll hope to help you sometimes with an item you post here, I really do! It is so nice to meet here people with the same interest and knowledge so we can learn from each other. Thanks again hope to meet you soon on Collectors! Have a good day!
miKKoChristmas11, what I forget to tell. Did you see my other Art Deco minaudiere/evening bag I posted here too quite a while ago:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/29552-minaudire-or-little-evening-bag
A very intesting piece which I met completely incidently.
Hello, Agram! Look what I just found: : )
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Agme-Vintage-Swiss-Mother-Pearl-Powder-Compact-/230418068562?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35a5fcb452
MiKKoChristman11, how is it possible you found exactly the same, Now I also have an idea what it could be worth. Thank you very much I'm very grateful!
Meet you soon here!!
You're most welcome, Agram!! : )