QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR NON-MEMBERS

 

I recently came across a beautiful Stratton compact seen in this picture, but I can't seem to find the patent number. I was wondering what year this might have been made? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Elizabeth.

Juliette Edwards replies:

I can say that the pattern on the base of the compact indicates that it dates from the late 1980s to the end of Laughton-owned production in 1997.
It is very common for later models in particular not to have patent marks. It's a pretty compact and appears to be in nice condition, though not rare and of modest value.

 

I am looking for some info regarding a Stratton compact I bought about 30 years ago. I have not been able to find out anything about it. It has the St Edward crown on the front. As this crown is used only for coronations, I'd be interested to know when it was issued by Stratton. I have had suggestions of 1953, 1937 or even 1911, but I don't know if Stratton even made compacts before the 1920s. The compact has a sifter, no puff and the paint (crown) is starting to crack.

Thank you and regards, Nora.

Juliette Edwards, founder of BCCS, replies:

I can give an answer to this question because I have the same compact.
It dates from 1952/1953, presumably made as a souvenir of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in June 1953. Other features confirm this dating.
Some manufacturing materials were still in short supply during this late austerity period and I believe that Stratton used a "duff" batch of either coloured "enamel" (actually a paint) or clear lacquer, into which the finished lid was dipped to seal the "enamel". Either would have caused the blue finish to craze and lift.
I have prevented any further deterioration to mine (so far) by spraying it lightly with the aerosol lacquer sold for spraying alloy car wheels.
Store your compact in a dry, moderate temperature as excesses of heat (expansion), cold (contraction) or humidity could exacerbate the situation. Good luck!

 

 

Can you help with any info on a Stratton 1950 compact
I have attached a photo, there are two musicians - one is playing the trumpet the other the accordion, they have 6 and 4 small diamonds below the musicians, patent no. 562662596236607648.
I believe it was given by late stepmother's first husband who was a musician.
Do you know the piece of music score that it is on it? I think it could be 'Happy Birthday to You'.
Any help would be most appreciated.

Karin Hepburn

Heidi replies: The score is definitely the tune you mention - Geoff has just played it on his guitar

Dr Mike Ashton replies: This number is actually 562662; 596236; 607648. These three GB patents were filed by Stratton in January 1943; January 1945; and February 1946 respectively and all relate to the catches.

Heidi adds: These dates do not necessarily indicate the year a compact was made. Compacts could well have been made for some years after with these patent numbers on the cases.

 

I have a compact with a lady with a fan painted on enamel, with a signature which looks like S Stratton. However, the compact has no maker's mark inside, although it does say MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN just above the mirror on the inside of the lid.  Do you have any idea of its vintage and is it a Stratton compact?  

Many thanks

V Rosenthal

 

 

Juliette Edwards replies;

 I feel sure that it's a Mascot. The base, with that rectangle in the centre, is typical of compacts made by  A.S. Brown, sometimes marked ASB, sometimes Mascot, sometimes simply not marked.

Stratton almost always marked the name inside.

Heidi replies;

The signature looks like S. Sutton. It may well be worth doing some research on Google under that name/artist 
Laura writes

We are clearing out my Mum's house and came across these compacts.  I love them and was wondering what you could tell me about them? I have found out some info about the ballerina collection but would love any further info on this individual piece.



Juliette Edwards replies

The one at top centre is the hardest to date because that shape case, known as a "Princess" was produced for about 4 decades and floral decorations, with and without a vase, were used frequently. I'd need to see the interior and base to suggest a date.
The rectangular compact with the pretty goldfinches on thistles is a "Star". This model case seems to have been limited to the 1950s. I have one like this and- judging by other features such as markings on the base and interior- I believe mine dates from the early 1950s (Although I'd have to see more details of yours to be exact.)
The delightful ballerina (wish it was mine!) is another "Princess" case, decorated with a portrait of Svetlana Beriosova  in "The Sleeping Beauty".  
According to Jenny, the BCCS newsletter editor and ballet expert, the decoration is taken from a portrait of the dancer by the Court photographer, Baron, published in 1955 in a book of his photos called "Gala Performance" and first used by Stratton in 1957.

Three nice compacts to start a collection!