Lot #56: antique sterling silver and guilloché enamel lipstick case with mirror

Luxury vintage Italian 800 silver enameled lipstick holder case (often called a lipstick tube box or lipstick compact). Function and Design How It Works: Rather than a simple pill box, this is a highly collectible vintage vanity accessory. The small turquoise/blue glass cabochon button on the right side functions as a slide. Pushing this button outwards slides out the internal lipstick tube tracking mechanism, which simultaneously reveals a concealed pop-up vanity mirror hidden inside the lid. Metal Purity: The "800" stamp means it is crafted from genuine continental silver containing 80% pure silver and 20% copper alloy. This specific alloy was intentionally favored by Italian silversmiths mid-century because it is harder and more durable than sterling silver, allowing for deep, highly detailed hand-engraved scrollwork and repoussé framing. Dating the Piece: These ornate souvenir cosmetics cases were handcrafted by Master silversmiths primarily in the Florence (Firenze) region of Italy. They boomed in popularity as high-end travel souvenirs from the 1930s through the 1950s. Good functional condition. Pickup category timeslot {A}