This is one of my BEST absolutely beautiful tango compacts in an Art Deco design which has been part of my collection for over 20 years.  The compact is pink enamel guilloche both front and back with hand-painted flowers in a basket on the front in a white center vignette.  The lipstick is enameled (not guilloche) and attached with a black enameled Art Deco design chain.  The lipstick has a little pearl jeweled clasp.  The compact opens up to reveal a mirror that pops up in the middle that also covers a powder sifter.  The lid has a rouge pot (rouge intact) with a little puff.  The lipstick slides out and has remnants of lipstick still inside.  The compact is signed F & B and Sterling on the rim of the lid and the lipstick is signed F & B Sterling on the clasp end.  It is in excellent condition ... even the lipstick and the chain links are perfect.  One of my faves!!  Compact portion measures 2-1/8" diameter and lipstick is almost 2" long.  Overall height is 4-1/8". 

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Lovely Silverplate Enamel Guilloche Compact with Hand-Painted Roses, Forget-Me-Nots and Mesh Wrist Strap by Charmant

This is a very pretty compact by Charmant featuring a full enamel guilloche top with hand-painted roses and forget-me-nots.  It is done in silverplate and has a pretty mesh wrist strap.  The interior features a covered powder well in the bottom portion with a mirror beneath the cover.  The lid has a rouge pot with rouge and original frayed puff still intact.  The base has the original powder pat as well with a paper sticker which is loose but still inside.  It is marked Plate Silver on the bottom and Nickle Silver inside. Overall in very good condition.  Measures 2-1/8" diameter x 5/8" deep.  Chain handle has an almost 5" drop from top.

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Pretty Mint Green Enamel Guilloche Compact with Hand-Painted Roses & Forget-Me-Nots and Tiny Gold Bird

This very pretty compact is done in a full mint green enamel guilloche top with hand-painted roses, forget-me-nots, and a tiny gold bird in the center.  The sides are beautifully embossed as well as the chain and finger ring.  The back of the compact has a very ornate damascened design.  All of the enamel is in excellent condition with no damage whatsoever.  Inside the compact, you will find a crescent shaped mirror in the lid with a rouge pot beneath.  The bottom half has a rotating powder sifter.  The compact snaps together firmly and would be totally usable if desired.  There are no markings anywhere that I can find so maker is unknown.   Measures 1-7/8" diameter.  Chain handle has 4-1/4" drop.

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RARE 14 Kt Gold Double Enamel Guilloche Tango Compact with Matching EG Chain by Carter, Gough & Co.*

Very rarely do you ever run across 14 kt. gold compacts ... and this one made by Carter, Gough & Co.* is exceptionally beautiful.  The case is all damascened in exquisite designs all the way around the sides.  The top and bottom of the case are done in a deep shade of blue -- not as dark as navy or cobalt but a rich blue.  Around these blue sections is a thin band of white for accent.  Both colors are picked up in the long links in the attached (removable) chain which has a finger ring at the top.  Inside the compact is a mirror in the lid which has darkened and spotted with age and an original ribboned puff in the base.  The inside of the case is also engine-turned in beautiful swirling designs.  As for condition, the back of the compact and the enameled links in the chain are all perfect.  The top side of the compact has a few issues that I need to point out.  The outer band of white enamel is missing some areas ... this band is so narrow that at a glance I did not even notice it.  In fact, it wasn't until I took the supersized close-ups for this listing that I even saw it.  So it is really pretty insignificant but if it is bothersome to you, you can always display it with the other side up as they are identical.  There are also two "dents" in the very edge of the top ... I believe these will show up in the pictures as well.  Again, they aren't that big of a deal and in a compact of this caliber, easily forgiven.  The hallmark for Carter, Gough & Co. and the 14 kt stamp are on the rim of the compact.  Measures approximately 1-1/2" diameter x 5/8" deep.  Chain handle & ring are almost 5" long.

*Carter, Gough & Co. was a prominent jewelry maker from 1841-1922.  They were known particularly for their fine quality jewelry and enamel guilloche.

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This lovely little tango compact with matching lipstick was made by LaMode and is a nice, small size.  The enameling is the palest of yellow, much lighter than butter even.  The front has two hand-painted roses with forget-me-nots and the back is plain enamel guilloche.  The little lipstick matches the compact with two roses .  Both are joined with embossed bar and link chains and a little embossed ring, all done in a goldtone. Inside you will find a covered powder well in the base and the LaMode signature alongside.  The top half has a metallic mirror which opens to reveal a rouge pot (still has rouge inside).  The mirror has foxing on the front side but the reverse side is clear and totally usable.  Lipstick is empty but does have traces of lipstick still visible.  Overall in excellent condition with  no noticeable damage that I can see.  Compact measures 1-5/8" diameter and lipstick is 1-1/2" long.

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Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Compact by Thomae with Hand-Painted Flowers and Matching Enamel Guilloche Chain and Finger Ring

This beautiful tango compact was made by the Thomae Co. of Attleboro, Massachusetts, a company known for their exceptional workmanship.  Featuring a full pale butter yellow enamel guilloche front as well as a matching chain and finger ring, it also has hand-painted pink and blue flowers in a circle on the front.  The color is a lovely mint green shade with radiating guilloche design.  The inside features a crescent shaped mirror in the lid with a rouge pot beneath.  The base has a rotating powder well  The  enameling on the compact is in excellent condition as well as the chain and finger ring. The bottom of the case is just polished metal.  Hallmarks for Sterling and the Thomae company can be found on the rim.  The compact measures aprpoximately 2" diameter x 1/2" deep.  Chain handle with finger ring measures about 3-1/2" long.

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This cute little tango compact made by Evans has beautiful embossed flowers on the lid and damascened design on the back of the case. The front of the case has a center vignette in robins egg blue enamel guilloche with a little hand-painted pink rose.   The finger ring is large enough to wear on your middle finger.  Inside you will find a more-than-half size mirror in the lid with a tiny rouge pot beneath.  The bottom half of the case has a rotating powder sifter with damascened designs in the metal.  Measures 2-1/8 diameter.  The chain and finger ring are 3" long total.

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Hand-Painted Enamel Guilloche Compact with Chatelaine Chain and Hand-Painted Roses with Gold Bird

Here is a lovely little triangular shaped dance compact featuring a snow white enamel guilloche top with a center of pale yellow guilloche enamel with hand-painted roses and a little golden bird.  The edges surrounding the enamel are richly embossed.  The sides are polished and the bottom has a beautiful damascened design with a leaf in the center. Inside the compact is a tap-sift powder well in the base with original puff intact.  The lid houses a crescent-shaped mirror in excellent condition with a rouge pot (also with original puff) beneath.  There is a chain attached to the top with a a finger ring on the end ... perfect for dancing or attaching to a chatelaine.  Overall this compact is in near perfect condition.  If I want to be super picky, I could find a very tiny scuff on the surface but honestly can be felt rather than seen.  It appears perfect at a glance and is very clean.   Measures 2-1/4" wide x 2-1/4" high not counting clasp.  Chain handle has 3-1/4" drop.

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This cute little Art Deco design tango compact has beautiful damascened designs on the front and back of the case. The front of the case has yellow, black and green painted accents on it (unfortunately does have a bit of paint loss as is common with this type of paint).  The finger ring is large enough to wear on your middle finger.  Inside you will find an almost full round polished metallic mirror in the top with a well for a rouge pot built in.  The bottom half of the case has a rotating powder sifter and a little tab to hold a powder puff.  With the exception of the paint loss on the front, the rest of the compact is in very good condition.  Measures 2-1/8 diameter.  The chain and finger ring are 2-5/8" long total.

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This stunning compact is elegant enough for the finest of occasions!  Ornate filigree covers both sides and both sides are also adorned with nine sapphire bezel-set jewels.  The chainlink handle has two double-sided jeweled beads with blue gemstones as well.  And the finger ring is also ornately embossed.  When you open this compact, the center mirror springs open to reveal the powder well below. There is a really pretty vintage "Beauty Puff" which is made of Genuine Washable Lambskin that appears unused.  I don't believe it is original to the piece but goes nicely with it, especially since it has a blue label.  The compact is not marked anywhere that I can see, but I am almost certain it was made in France as this is a typical French bronze style I have had in the past..  Measures 2" diameter x 3/4" deep.  Chain handle with finger ring measures5"..

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Hand-Painted Enamel Guilloche Compact with Chatelaine Chain by E·A·M

This is a really beautiful enamel guilloche compact made by E·A·M.  The entire front is covered in enamel guilloche ... a center inverted heart in snow white with hand-painted pink flowers in the center.  This is surrounded by a deep blue with acanthus leaves and scrolls and flowers ... so pretty!  The back is done in damascened designs in the metal which are very pretty as well.  Open the compact and you will find a rotating powder sifter with original blue puff on one side and a shiny metallic mirror on the other.  There is a chain attached to the top with a small chatelaine ring on the end.  Overall this compact is in near perfect condition.  If I want to be super picky, I could find a very tiny scratch or two on the surface but honestly can be felt rather than seen.  It appears perfect at a glance.  On the back of the compact, there is a very very slight indent which again is not noticeable at a glance.  And the lower right corner on the widest part of the case has a very teeny dent which again is not noticeable unless really looking hard for it (it doesn't even show up in the picture as it looks like it is the way it was made).   Measures 2-1/4" wide x 2-5/8" high counting clasp.  Chain handle has 5-1/2" drop.

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Rare Sterling Silver Jeweled 3-Pc. Tango Vanity Set by F & B in Aqua Enamel Guilloche

This set has long been a favorite of mine in my personal collection.  I have never owned another like it!  Made by F & B (Foster & Bailey), this beautiful set includes a vanity case with a celluloid page for writing on, a double-sided compact with two mirrors, and a lipistick.  All of these are held together by braided chains suspended from an enamel guilloche matching finger ring.  The vanity case and lipstick are adorned with turquoise jewels to give it an added elegance.  In its day it would have been one of the premium pieces one could buy.  There are several issues I will point out but I gladly accepted these and "forgave" them due to the rarity and beauty of this set.  Even with the damages, it displays beautifully.  That being said, the vanity case has rub marks in the finish and shows wear on both sides.  There is a small chip in the enamel on one edge.  The little turquoise jewels have teeny chips on them.  There is one half of the braided chain holding the compact missing.  Please see all photos. It is really a beautiful set and one you will not easily find again!  All pieces are marked F & B Sterling.  Vanity case measures approximately 3-1/8" x 2", compact measures 1-1/2" diameter x 3/4" deep, and lipstick is 2" long.

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Although it is unmarked, this very pretty little tango compact is attributed to Evans du to the Tap-Sift powder dispenser inside.  The case on this one is truly gorgeous with damascene flowers, leaves, stripes and other designs on the front  and engine-turned designs on the back.  The front of the case has a small vignette with a hand-painted pink rose and leaves on a black background which is the perfect accent for this dainty piece.  Inside you will find a crescent shaped mirror on one side with a rouge pot beneath and the tap-sift powder dispenser on the other.  There is a bit of foxing on the bottommost part of the mirror but it is otherwise totally clear and usable.  Overall it is in excellent condition.  Worth mentioning:  the rose vignette is slightly askew and it appears to be made this way.  It could probably be removed and reattached but I do not want to do that.  This is the way I bought it and I prefer to leave it as is ... I have owned this since 1999 and it has never bothered me at all.  In fact, I never really even noticed it until I took the close-up photos for this page :-).  Measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" at the corners. The chain and finger ring are 4" long total.

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Lovely Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Compact with Finger Ring

This tiny sterling silver compact has a lovely yellow enamel guilloche lid with three different guilloche designs (see the photos for the close-up) and a finger ring for carrying.   "Guilloche" refers to the designs beneath the enamel which are engraved into the base metal.  All of the enamel is in excellent condition with no damage whatsoever. The interior of the compact is done in a gold vermeil and features a mirror in the lid and a swansdown puff in the bottom.  The only marking on this compact is the word "STERLING" stamped on the bottom, so I have no idea of the manufacturer but would assume the New England area.   It is very tiny measuring just a tad over 1" diameter x a bit over 1/2" deep.  Chain handle has 4" drop including the finger ring.

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Lovely Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Compact with Finger Ring by FMCo

Foster & Bailey (F & B) was known for their extraordinary quality enamel guilloche sterling silver lady's vanity items in the early 1900's.  This piece is a superb example of one of their beautiful compacts with an attached chainlink handle with finger ring.  The front is a pretty shade of aqua blue in enamel guilloche with a solid black enamel border around the outermost edge.  "Guilloche" refers to the designs beneath the enamel which are engraved into the base metal.  This compact has radiating concentric circles in waves coming out from the center which, when rotated, look like they are moving around the top.  The back of the compact is solid sterling silver with damascened designs.  All of the enamel is in excellent condition with no damage whatsoever.  Inside the compact, you will find a full mirror in the lid which has some very faint foxing but still totally usable.  The bottom half has a retainer ring to hold a powder pat.  There is a puff inside which is more than likely original to the piece.The compact is marked F & B Sterling on the rim of the base.  This compact has no apologies whatsoever.   Measures 2-1/8" diameter.  Chain handle has 4" drop.

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Sweet German Silver Enamel Guilloche Compact with Finger Ring

This is a very sweet little compact made of German Silver in a pale coral pink enamel guilloche.  The lid is completely covered in three separate sections with three different guilloche designs ... very pretty!  The compact has a mirror inside the lid and an original wool puff with ruched silk backing.  There is also a chain with finger ring to carry it by or attach to a chatelaine.  The mirror itself is very clear and has no foxing or discoloration; however, there is a wee chip at the very bottom.  It does not interfere with reflection as it is right at the edge.  The enameling is also in great condition with one very tiny chip in the center ring near the top (how it got there, I wouldn't have a clue but it is possible it was a factory miss as it doesn't look quite like a chip under a loupe but rather a glaze miss).  In any event, I am pricing it according to the condition.  It is marked German Silver on the base.   Measures 1-1/2" diameter x 3/4" deep.  Chain handle has 4-1/2" drop from top of ring.

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My favorite vanities are often those done by D. F. Briggs Co. They just paid attention to detail and built in quality ... note the inlaid strips of turquoise enamel guilloche around the border of this case. The little raised vignette features a hand-painted rose and blue flowers with a tiny golden bird flying above. The sides of the case are richly embossed with scrolling leaves and the bottom is engine turned. Interior features a mirror in the lid that is in perfect condition despite the dust in the picture from the traces of powder inside. Base features a removable lipstick, powder well with original paper refill slip still inside and original unused puff. Rouge pat is still there but puff is a replacement on this one. Embossed bar link chain with matching finger ring finishes it off. Measures approximately 2-3/8" square.

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FABULOUS RARE Art Deco Multi-Jeweled Tango Compact and Matching Atarmist Perfume Set by Evans in Original Presentation Box - with Instructions!

This gorgeous set has been a prize in my personal collection for many years (since 2007) and has never been offered for sale before.  I hardly know where to begin to describe it ... so let's start with the original presentation box by Evans, lined in green silk with label inside lid, the original felt-lined sleeves to protect both pieces, and the original instructions for filling and operating the Atarmist perfume.  Now for the pieces:  Both pieces feature lovely art deco gazelles inlaid with marcasites and surrounded in black, green and ivory enamel.  The back of both pieces have a very pretty embossed design.  The tango compact has an attached lipstick case which is double-jeweled with marcasites on either end.  The lipstick inside is completely removable.  The compact has a tap powder well on one side and a covered rouge pot on the other.  Both have their original puffs and the rouge has the original Mayfair refill paper.  Now about the Atarmist:  this piece is in excellent condition as well with a wee bit of wear to the ivory enamel due to age.  The original paper instructions clearly show you how to fill and use this unique perfume.  All marcasites are present; however, on the Atarmist there are two sections (one at the end of the ivory enamel and one on the back leg of the gazelle) where there is a different bead design.  It appears to be original to the way it was made as there is no indication of any missing jewels there.  And since the compact doesn't have it in the ivory section, I assume it was made this way.  The compact measures 2" square with the lipstick case being 2-1/8" long.  The Atarmist is 1-3/8" x 1-7/8" high.

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Note: Also listed on Perfumes page and Modern/Vintage Objects

This is a stunning sterling silver compact by the Thomae Co. (hallmarked on inside rim) ... front has a lovely hand-painted scene on enamel guilloche in the center. The back and finger ring as well as the chain are done in solid black enamel. Finished with a little metal tassel with tiny ball fringe ... so cute! Interior has a rouge pot with puff on one side and a powder pat on the other with a double-sided mirror on a center hinge between the two halves. It is in exquisite condition with only minor signs of use, mainly on the finger ring which has a bit of enamel loss. Compact measures approximately 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" not counting handle or tassel.

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This beautiful tango compact was made by the Thomae Co. of Attleboro, Massachusetts, a company known for their exceptional workmanship.  Featuring a full enamel guilloche front and back and a matching enamel guilloche slide bead on the braided wristband.  The sides are done in a solid black band of enamel as well to match the wristband and the tassel.  The inside of the compact has a full mirror in the lid and an open powder well in the bottom.  The hallmarks for sterling and the Thomae Co. can be found on the inner rim.  As for condition, the blue enamel guilloche on the top is pretty good with only some superficial scuffs visible when held to light. The base, however, has more significant wear that is visible when held to light from laying on a surface while unprotected.  Nothing that goes through the clearcoat and no chips, just some scuffs that are visible from an angle.  The bead on the wristband is in excellent condition but the band itself has some frayed areas.  Obviously this was a piece well loved and used by its original owner as opposed to sitting on a shelf.  Oh the places this must have been!  The compact measures aprpoximately 2" diameter x 1/2" deep.  From top of handle to bottom of tassel it measures 10-1/2".

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This pretty enamel guilloche compact features a snowy white front with a bright gold Victorian basket of roses topped with a blue ribbon bow. Rose garlands flank either side. Back of compact is finished in silver with engine turned designs. Sides of compact are richly emobssed as well as the chain links and finger ring that attach to it. Interior features a crescent shaped mirror and rouge pot with partially opened rouge pat. Base has a built-in rotating powder sifter. Excellent condition overall with a few faint surface scuffs visible when held to light. Measures 1-7/8" diameter.

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Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Compact by Thomae with Hand-Painted Flowers and Matching Enamel Guilloche Chain and Finger Ring

This beautiful tango compact was made by the Thomae Co. of Attleboro, Massachusetts, a company known for their exceptional workmanship.  Featuring a full enamel guilloche front as well as a matching chain and finger ring, it also has hand-painted pink and blue flowers in a circle on the front.  The color is a lovely mint green shade with radiating guilloche design.  The inside of the compact does not have a mirror nor is there any indication that there ever was one.  The base has a rouge pot and crescent shaped powder well.  There is still rouge and original puff inside and a replacement puff on the powder side.  The  enameling on the compact is in excellent condition as well as the chain.  The little finger ring has an area of discoloration and what appears to be a fracture but feels smooth to the touch so not sure what it is.  The compact measures aprpoximately 2" diameter x 1/2" deep.  Chain handle is 2-1/2" long and the ring is 7/8" diameter. 

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Here is a very pretty little tango compact in a scalloped shape in double enamel guilloche, meaning both front and back are completely done in enamel guilloche.  The base metal is silver but not sterling.  There are hand-painted flowers on the front.  The compact is missing the mirror in the lid and the base is empty to hold a powder pat.  The chain and finger ring are both embossed and the chain is removable.  Enameling is all in excellent shape with only the most superficial scuffs only visible when held to light or with a loupe.  , so I don't believe it is.  I bought this in 2002 and I am pricing it at what I paid for it because of the missing mirror.  Measures 2-1/8" diameter at the points.

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This unusual tango compact is done on a gold base metal as opposed to the more commonly seen silver ... and instead of enamel guilloche, it has a border of solid enamel with hand-painted flowers in a garland design.  The center of the lid is damascened in a very pretty pattern that resembles a snowflake.  The back of the compact has engine turned waves radiating from the center all the way around (there are two very teeny little dents in the back only noticeable when turning in the light ... they did not show up in photo at all).  Sides are smooth.  The interior of the compact has a crescent mirror and rouge pot holder on one side and a tap-sift style powder dispenser on the other.  The chain and finger ring are ornately embossed. The overall condition is excellent with the exception of one tiny chip on the right edge of the enameling ... it is priced accordingly.  Measures a bit over 2" diameter.

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Pretty Blue and Ivory Double Enamel Guilloche Tango with Hand-Painted Roses

Here is a very pretty unmarked tango compact done in full enamel guilloche on both front and back.  The front features a creamy ivory center with blue border in which four pink roses have been hand-painted.  The back is solid blue enamel guilloche in a radiating wavy design.  The interior of the compact features a beautifully engine-turned rotating powder sifter in the base; in the lid is a metallic mirror which opens to reveal a rouge pot (no rouge).  I have not been able to find a maker's mark although it could be beneath the sifter which I cannot remove.  The finger ring and chain link bars are all richly embossed.  Overall it is in excellent condition with no scratches or damage that I can see, only superficial scuffs visible when held to light or with a loupe.  It is a wonderful piece and larger than the average compact ... it measures 2-1/4" diameter.

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Here is a very elegant tango compact made by R & G Co. with a 14 Kt White Gold front by Belais.  The Belais Manufacturing Co. was out of New York and was in business from 1876-1933.  They were very early manufacturers of white gold in the U.S.  The engraving on this case is spectacular and was so hard to photograph to its full effect.  The swirls and curlicues are done in a high-gloss finish while the background is an engine-turned satin finish.  I have tried to capture it in the pictures.  On the center front is a little raised enamel vignette with a hand-painted pink flower on black background.  The interior of the compact is divided into two portions ... the bottom half has a cover which swivels open to reveal a mirror on the back and a rouge pot inside.  The top half of the compact has a powder pat.  There are two gold puffs inside that match and the larger of the two says LaMode, so I am sure these are not original but are vintage and probably were bought somewhere along the line to replace worn ones.  Overall in very good condition ... could use a minor cleaning here and there but I will leave that to you.  The pictures make it look a lot worse than it is ... it is gorgeous in person!  Measures 2-1/2" diameter and the chain and finger ring are 4-1/4" long total.

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This beautiful tango compact was made by the Thomae Co. of Attleboro, Massachusetts, a company known for their exceptional workmanship.  Featuring a full enamel guilloche front and back as well as a matching chain and finger ring, it also has hand-painted roses and blue forget-me-nots in a circle on the front.  The sides have a solid cream color enamel trim.  The inside of the compact has a full mirror in the lid and an open powder well in the bottom.  The hallmarks for sterling and the Thomae Co. can be found on the inner rim.  As for condition, the blue enamel guilloche on both the front, back and finger ring are in good condition with no chips but a few scratches visible when held to light.  There is one teeny little fleabite on one of the chain links (see close-ups) and there is a small flake in the clearcoat on the cream colored edge (also in close-ups).  Other than that the compact is in great shape and perfect to either use or display.  The compact measures aprpoximately 2" diameter x almost 1/2" deep.  Chain handle is 2-1/2" long and the ring is 7/8" diameter.  This item has never been listed before but has been in my collection for 15 years.  The price in the pictures was based on what I paid for it but I am listing it much lower due to market difference.

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This is a darling little compact with finger ring by G. H. French Co. in sterling silver. The lid is a pretty candy pink enamel guilloche while the interior is fitted with a mirror in the lid and a cute original ruched lambswool puff with tiny finger ring in celluloid. It measures 1-1/2" diameter and is in excellent condition.

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This is a very pretty little tango compact made by F & B in sterling silver with both sides covered in cornflower blue enamel guilloche.  There is also a white enameled ring in the center on the front side and around the outer edge on both front and back (see pics).  Inside is a round mirror in the lid and an open compartment in the bottom for powder ... included also is a little blue swansdown puff.  The finger ring is on the end of a lovely chain with small links and elongated decorative twisted links in between. The sides of the case have gorgeous damascened designs in the metal ... so pretty!  And there is the sweetest little bell tassel at the bottom.  There are a few apologies on this one which is keeping the price very reasonable ... there is a slight dent on the one side and on the back of the compact; at the top edge, there are two very minimal fleabites in the enamel (visible in the pictures).  Compact portion measures 1-1/2" diameter x almost 3/4" deep (slightly convex). 

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This is a darling little compact with finger ring in sterling silver with a pretty candy pink enamel guilloche lid. The interior is fitted with a mirror in the lid and a cute original lambswool puff with pink ribbon on top. Hallmarks on rim but I do not know who made it. It measures only 1" diameter x 5/8" deep and is in excellent condition.

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This rare double tango compact has been a prize in my collection for many, many years and I am ready to say good-bye to it. In all my years of collecting, I have never seen another like it. I have no idea of the manufacturer as there are no marks on it that I can find. It is done in plain purple enameling on the outer case of the compact and the matching lipstick but the two compact covers are a lighter purple enamel guilloche with a darker purple flower in the center of each and garlands with tiny yellow flowers. Each compact opens to reveal a mirror in the lids ... the left side has a puff (not original) with rotating powder sifter and the right side has an original puff with rouge pat beneath. The lipstick opens and has a thumbscrew at the base to push the lipstick up but I cannot get it to move and don't want to force it. The lids are both in excellent condition. There are some very teeny fleabites in the purple enameling on the lipstick and some edge wear (again, very faint) on the sides of the compact but not noticeable unless you are really looking closely. Overall I would rate it a 9+ out of 10 and considering its rarity, totally acceptable. Compacts measure a bit over 3" across x 1-5/8" high. Lipstick is 2" long x almost 1/2" diameter.

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This is quite a pretty double enamel guilloche tango by an unknown maker with a blue vignette of a rose on the front surrounded by a gold gilt border and two blue flowers above and below. The back of the compact is a plain aqua enamel guilloche. The enameling covers the entire surface to the edges making it quite large. The lipstick case is unusual in that it has a removable lipstick inside. Also the enameling on the case is not guilloche but does have a blue flower on it. Inside the compact is a rotating powder sifter on one side and a flip-up metallic mirror with rouge pot and puff beneath. The enameling on the compact has surface scuffs and the lipstick case has a few miniscule flakes. The mirror inside has visible rust pitting on both sides ... priced below my cost because of these issues.... I had paid $400 for it 8 years ago. It is not marked sterling even though I was told it was when I bought it. Compact measures almost 2-1/4" diameter and lipstick case is a bit over 2" long.

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This is a beautiful tango compact made by R & G Co. in a lovely shade of baby blue enamel guilloche with pink flowers and roses in the center portion with blue flowers on either side and a matching lipstick with the same flowers.Interior is done in gold wash and has a rotating powder well in the lid and a covered rouge pot in the base with a mirror inside. There are two puffs, I believe original, with the item. The lipstick slides out and there is a finger ring at the top. Enameling is all in mint condition with no chips or damage of any kind. Compact measures 2-1/8" square and lipstick is 1-1/2" long.

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Rare Style Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Compact by R. Blackinton

This is a sweet little compact on a finger ring chain made by R. Blackinton.It is oval in shape and has a beautiful center vignette of pink roses in full bloom on an ivory background. Surrounding this is a border of beautiful baby blue enamel guilloche. When the compact is opened, it has a set-in mirror in the lid which shows considerable silver loss around the edges; however, this is not a beveled mirror so it could be easily replaced. In the base is an original puff with a sweet blue bow on it and beneath it a removable powder pat, original to the piece as it is marked Blackinton on the bottom (see pics).  It is in excellent condition! Measures 2-1/4" long x 1-1/4" wide x 1/2" deep.

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Cute Little Figural Vanity with Enamel Guilloche Wrist Slide

Very roaring twenties looking! This cute little vanity has a hand-painted picture on the front of a lady looking at her reflection in a hand mirror. The silver tone case (not sterling) is nicely embossed all around the raised image. The braided cord wrist band has a white enamel guilloche bead which slides to adjust the band to fit. There is a black tassel on bottom which may or may not be original. Inside is a mirror in the lid and a powder pat and puff in the base. A unique and adorable compact and it is in excellent condition. Measures a bit over 2" long not counting clasp or tassel and 1-3/4" wide.

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Sterling Silver Pink Enamel Guilloche Compact

This is a delightful sterling silver tango compact whose manufacturer is unknown.  The only marking I can find is a Sterling stamp in the rim of the base (I could not get a clear enough photo of it to share).  The enamel guilloche with the hand-painted  roses is done with a white center and a pink border. The designs in the guilloche are exquisite! The back of the compact is plain silver with the monogram "EH" engraved. Inside the base is empty and would have held loose powder and a puff. The mirror which was in the lid is no longer there but would be easily replaced. The finger ring is a plain band and the links have several bends which I don't believe are original but one never knows. Compact measures 1-1/2" diameter x 1/2" high (not counting slightly domed top).

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Double Enamel Guilloche Tango Compact - GLB & Co.

This lovely tango compact has been in my collection for some time and was made by G.L.B. & Co. (Geo. L. Brown & Co.) of Attleboro, Mass.  They were in business from 1898 until 1914 so this dates to that time period making it well over 100 years old!  It is just so pretty in 2-tone yellow ... a buttery color in the center and a deeper lemon yellow around the edge. There is a sunburst design to the guilloche in the center portion and scrollwork in the border and hand-painted roses and flowers cascading down both sides. The back is done in matching 2-tone yellow minus the flowers. And the compact is suspended from a -- removable! -- finger ring and chain all done in matching yellow enamel (butter yellow ring and lemon yellow links). It is just gorgeous! Inside there is a mirror with rouge pot and original puff on one side and a rotating powder sifter on the other. Just below the mirror is a stamped signature GLB Co.  The size is quite large ... 2-1/4" square plus 4" drop for the chain/ring. Excellent condition. Please see all pics for details.

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Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Scenic Compact by F & B Co.

Here we have a compact made by F & B that I have not seen before ... it is a lemon yellow color around the edge with a vignette in the center of a scenic lake with roses blooming in the foreground. You can see the trees reflecting in the water and a pale crescent moon suspended in the sky above.  The compact is suspended from a bar and link chain with a finger ring at the top. Both the ring and the compact are signed F & B Sterling. The interior is missing the mirror but this should not be difficult to have made. The original paper label was beneath the powder pat inside, also with the Foster & Bros. name on it. Now as for condition ... the enameling has only a few minor scuffs when held to light but there is a chip in the enamel right at the left edge. Because of this, the price is greatly reduced from what it would be if it were perfect. It is a delightful compact and a rare one to boot! Measures larger than most being 2-1/4" diameter.

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This is a beautiful little sterling silver enamel guilloche done in cream with pink and blue flowers on both compact and lipstick.  The sides of the compact are done in black and the back of the compact is solid cream enamel guilloche.  Even the little links that hold the compact and lipstick together are enameled.  Compact interior features a crescent shaped mirror and rouge pot in lid with open powder well in the base.  Enameling on the compact is perfect on the cream sections ... there are some older restorations on the black borders that aren't noticeable unless you are looking for them.  The lipstick is near perfect with only one teeny little fleabite out of the tip visible in pic.  The chain links do have some damage to the enameling but this is commonly found and doesn't detract too much.  All of the above is taken into consideration in pricing ... overall a very nice and displayable tango as well as a usable piece if that is your desire.  There are hallmarks on the rim of the case but I am unable to make them out other than the word Sterling.  Compact measures 2" diameter and lipstick is 2-1/4" long.

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F. M. Co. Enamel Guilloche Tango Compact

Here is a lovely little tango in aqua blue/green with a pretty center vignette of pink and blue flowers on a white oval background. The interior has a metallic mirror in the lid which opens to reveal a well for a rouge pot. The base has a gold wash covered powder well with pretty engine turned designs. Traces of loose powder can be found inside. The lipstick is beautifully enameled in a pale green color and is in excellent condition. The color is slightly different from the compact which leads me to believe it might have been a replacement; however, this is the way I purchased it and I have left it that way. I would be willing to separate the two if someone is interested in doing that but would prefer to keep them as found. Both pieces are in excellent condition. Compact measures 2-1/8" diameter and lipstick is 2" long.

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R & G Co. Sterling & Enamel Guilloche Tango in MINT Condition

Here we have another fabulous piece made by R & G Co. (signed inside). Marked Sterling on the lipstick case, this gorgeous tango set features a tiny lipstick and a matching compact joined with a finger ring chain. Both pieces have a purple and yellow pansy in the center of an ivory enamel guilloche background. The compact has a crescent shaped mirror and rouge pot in the lid and a rotating powder sifter in the base covered with engine turned designs. Original puff and lipstick still remain as well as traces of powder. It is in MINT condition! Compact measures 2-1/4" diameter and lipstick is 1-1/2" long.

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Fantastic R & G Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Tango with Victorian Flower Basket & Double Lipstick/Eye Brow Case

This is such a pretty little vanity case in sterling silver with a robin's egg blue enamel guilloche lid on the compact portion.  The little silver tassel is just adorable! Inside the lid is a mirror with some silver loss around the edges.  The removable ring handle is not marked sterling that I can find so it may be a later addition although the design is very similar to that on the vanity. Overall it is in excellent condition. Case portion measures 2-1/2" high (not counting little tassel) x 1-3/4" wide. Overall from top ring to bottom of tassel is 7-1/2". It is hallmarked inside but I cannot make out the manufacturer.

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Unusual Enamel Guilloche Tango with Separate Lipstick Case

Here is a very unusual and sweet tango done in cream enamel guilloche with pink roses. Back is same without roses. Frame is gold rather than silver and interior is also gold wash. There is a covered powder well and puff on one side and the other has a metallic mirror which flips up to reveal a rouge pot and replacement puff. The lipstick case opens and holds a removable lipstick tube. Compact is in excellent condition ... lipstick has a few teeny misses in the enamel at the one end and two teeny spots on the back side ... very minor and not detrimental at all. Compact measures 1-3/4" wide x 2" high and lipstick is 2" long.

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I have had this lovely tango in my own collection for several years and I hate to part with it. It is not perfect but because it is so unique and pretty, I had to have it. The color is a deeper Williamsburg blue with pink roses ... but what makes this stand out is that BOTH sides of the compact AND the lipstick have pink roses. I have never seen this before on a tango. The backs are usually plain. And the chain that connects the pieces is also blue enamel and these are near perfect. There is a wee bit of damage to the one end cap of the lipstick and the compact has damage near the hinge (worst area pictured) and the clasp on the rim. Both the top and bottom, however, are perfect. The interior has a crescent-shaped mirror with rouge pot on one side and a unique patented powder pat on the other side which is dated 1917. What appears to be an original puff is still inside. The piece is marked "Sterling" on the inside rim. Compact measures 2" diameter and lipstick is 2-1/8" long.

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Pretty Mint Green Enamel Guilloche Sterling Silver Tango by F & B Co.

Doesn't F & B just make the most beautiful compacts? The quality and extra touches they put in make them my favorites ... i.e., look at the beauty of the enamel guilloche chain connecting the lipstick and compact ... each little section is green and black to match the compact and the finger ring is all green enamel guilloche. Front of compact is mint green enamel guilloche with a black thin border. Lipstick is all green. Back of compact is a pretty engine-turned design. Interior of compact features a mirror in the lid and a powder pat in the bottom with puff. Set is in excellent condition with no damage to the enamel. Compact measures 2-1/8" diameter and lipstick is 2" long. 

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Here we have a stunning tango compact and lipstick by FM (Finberg) Co. Lovely soft mint green enamel guilloche is accented with pink roses and a center panel of creamy pale yellow for contrast. It is just gorgeous! Six-sided matching lipstick tops it off. Compact interior features a rotating powder sifter with lovely engine-turned designs in the base and a crescent mirror and rouge pot in the lid. Not marked sterling that I could find, but these usually are and this appears to be. Very, very few surface scuffs only visible with loupe. Overall compact is in excellent condition! Compact measures 2-1/2" square.

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Here we have a fabulous tango compact and lipstick set made by R & G Co. This outstanding piece features a finger ring with removable chain (with one lavender enameled link in the chain) and a large size compact on one end with matching double eyebrow and lipstick on the other. The lavender enamel guilloche is embellished with hand-painted roses on both pieces. The interior of the compact features an empty powder well in the base and a swing-out mirror in the lid with a rouge pot and original puff beneath. The double eyebrow/lipstick is marked accordingly on each end which is which. Marked Sterling on the lipstick case, this wonderful item is in very good condition with no chips or cracks to the enameling at all. The only thing that would merit mentioning are two very faint areas near the edge that have some slight discoloration (right under clasp and at about 8:30). Compact measures 2-1/2" diameter.

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Here is a cream of the crop 2-pc. matched set by FM Co.. Although the case is not marked, I am positive it is sterling silver with exquisite enamel guilloche in mint green on front and back of both cases. Compact has a snow white center with a garland of roses and leaves around the perimeter. The pendant handle is enamel cloisonne. The lipstick case is 6-sided and has gold wash on the interior portion. Compact also has gold wash on the inside. There is a center flip 2-sided mirror, a powder sifter, and a rouge pot with traces of rouge. It is in excellent condition with no damage to either case. There may be some enamel missing on the handle, but even with a magnifying glass, I can't tell if it's just the design or if something is missing. It looks right to me. Compact measures approximately 2" x 2-1/2" and lipstick is 2" long.

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This is a very rare and unusual tango compact with matching lipstick done in a shade of deep red. The base metal is gold tone (needed to get the red enameled shades) and the lid has a white center with hand-painted pink rose in full bloom. There are tiny gold scrolls around the white before the red border begins. The lipstick has tiny matching pink roses painted around both ends ... so sweet! The lipstick tube may have been just a holder as there is no way to retract the lipstick; however, I can't be sure as this is how it was purchased. Inside has a framed mirror in the lid and open base for powder pat. Enameling is all in excellent condition with no chips or damge that I can see. Compact measures 2" diameter and lipstick is 2" long.

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Here is a rarely found all-snow white enamel guilloche tango compact with pink roses mounted in a gold frame. Even the finger ring chain is gold! Marked "LaMode" on the inside. Compact is in perfect condition ... lipstick has one tiny area of enamel loss on top back. Interior has a rotating powder well in the lid and a covered rouge pot in the base with two puffs that appear to be original. Compact measures 2" square and lipstick is 1-1/2" long.

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Purchased from a private collection, this is a rather rare design tango compact and lipstick by LaMode. Smallish in scale (square compact is only 1-5/8"), it is big on design. The compact is all done in lime green enamel guilloche on both sides with roses and blue forget-me-nots on the front side. Interior features multi compartments: a metallic mirror in the lid which opens to reveal a rouge pot with rouge and original puff. Base has a covered powder compartment with area for puff (not included). The matching lipstick has roses on one side. Overall the item is in excellent condition with the only flaw being a pinprick of enamel missing on one end of the lipstick (so common with tangos as the lipsticks swing free). s visible with a loupe. Compact measures 2-1/4" diameter.

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This is just a beautiful set! Lovely lavender color with a snow white center all done in enamel guilloche with hand-painted roses. It is truly gorgeous! The interior is all done in gold vermeil and features a crescent mirror in the lid with rouge pot (still intact!). The base has a beautifully engine turned rotating sifter. The matching lipstick case is six-sided and in mint condition. There are two professional repairs on the very edge of the compact itself (see pic for one ... other was too tiny to photograph). I purchased it even with this due to the rare and beautiful color. Finberg was known for its high quality and it shows in this beautiful piece. Compact measures 2-1/2" diameter and lipstick is almost 2" long.

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