Rare Vintage Art Deco Kathleen Court Bakelite Powder Box Sydney New York Cosmetics Kathleen O'Shee

Classic art deco design, in black and red bakelite. Raised decoration to the red with kc initials to centre (kathleen court), and the black has a a kneeling woman againist a rising sun, with kathleen court, sydney new york and the shades available written below. There is a partial faded label to one side. Just under 3" in diameter x by just over 1 1/2" high.

Kathleen court cosmetics had an interesting history and was relatively short lived (6-8 years). Kathleen arrived in australia from england in 1925 and during the 30's was pursuing her career in cosmetics, and travelled widely to promote her products. In 1938 her husband deserted her and in 1947 kathleen filed for divorce and her husband claimed ownership of her company. In the early 20's she won a bathing costume competition her prize, a trip to hollywood and she also starred in the silent movie the ten commandments.

The bakelite powder box is in good vintage condition, and would display very well in a collection or on your dressing table. There are a couple of scuffs to the bakelite and there is a small crack near the label which i have shown in the last photo. This is a rare item as i only know of one other item which is in a private collection and is made from cardboard, and some articles are in the national library of australia. This item is made of bakelite.

---