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Joan Fontaine's Compact
Joan Fontaine's Compact
Joan Fontaine's Compact
Joan Fontaine's Compact
Joan Fontaine's Compact
Joan Fontaine's Compact
Joan Fontaine's Compact
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Joan Fontaine's Compact

  • This elegant minaudière, or vanity case, was once owned by renowned film star Joan Fontaine
  • Joan Fontaine was one of the most exceptional actresses of the golden age of the silver screen
  • This compact, adorned by diamonds and ruby cabochons, is a work of true Hollywood glamour
  • Get complete item description here
$24,500
Item No. 30-1304

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Description
This magnificent Swiss Art Deco minaudière compact is believed to have been owned by renowned film star Joan Fontaine. Crafted of sterling and gilded silver, this captivating compact is decorated with a bold floral motif that sparkles with diamonds and ruby cabochons. As practical as it is beautiful, this ingenious case is the perfect companion to take on a night on the town. The cover opens to reveal a mirror and well for pressed powder,. . .
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This magnificent Swiss Art Deco minaudière compact is believed to have been owned by renowned film star Joan Fontaine. Crafted of sterling and gilded silver, this captivating compact is decorated with a bold floral motif that sparkles with diamonds and ruby cabochons. As practical as it is beautiful, this ingenious case is the perfect companion to take on a night on the town. The cover opens to reveal a mirror and well for pressed powder, a refillable lipstick tube, small tortoiseshell comb and lighter, all neatly tucked into the sides. A small watch flips out on top, so keeping track of time is a breeze. Featuring the engraved initials “JF” and held within its own fitted suede and silk-line pouch, this gorgeous piece is a work of true luxury.

Features French hallmarks

Circa 1935

2 3/4” wide x 3 3/8” length x 1” deep

Joan Fontaine was one of the most exceptional actresses of the golden age of the silver screen. Born Joan de Havilland in Tokyo in 1917, she was the sister of actress Olivia de Havilland, who is known for portraying Melanie in Gone With The Wind. Fontaine was nominated for several Academy Awards, and in 1942 she became the youngest leading actress to win an Oscar for her work in Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion (1941). Her life was not without turmoil, however. Her rivalry with her sister was epic and legendary. Even as children, the sisters had a contentious relationship that intensified when Fontaine won the Oscar for Suspicion, the same year that de Havilland was nominated. Fontaine's alleged brushing off of her sister's congratulations opened a wound that was never healed, even at the time of Fontaine's death at age 96 in 2013.
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Joan Fontaine's Compact
Period: 20th Century
Origin: Switzerland
Type: Compacts/Nécessaires
Style: Art Deco
Depth: 1.0 in. (2.54 cm)
Length: 3.38 in. 
Width: 2.75 in. (6.99 cm)
Height: 3.38 in. (8.57 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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