Rare Salvador Dali "Bird-in-Hand" Compact by Elgin American

Item Details

A rare Bird-in-Hand compact designed by famed Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dali for Elgin American. This hard to find compact features a streamlined bird form that fits nicely in the palm of a hand, having a silver plated finish with gold tone accents and red enameled eyes. The head piece pulls out as a lipstick holder, the wings open upward to an inverted heart-shaped mirror with powder compartment below, and a pill compartment is hidden in the tail feathers. The compact was designed by Salvador Dali in a 1950 collaboration with Elgin executives, being first manufactured in 1951 by The Illinois Watchcase Company under the Elgin American label. Marked ‘Dali’ to the head and ‘Elgin American Made in USA Pat Pend.’ to the inside powder cover.

Condition

- with some scuffing and wear to metal finishes; missing powder puff.

Dimensions

Item #

17CIN408-014