#August #Goertz #Antique #Compacts #Designs #Patents
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The banner image shows an advertising listing place by August Goertz & Co. in the Newark Directory in 1914.
August Goertz & Co. manufactured powder compacts for many different companies.
Jonteel, Alfred H Smith Co., Dorothy Gray, Karess Woodworth and Cheramy are some of the most well known brands who engaged August Goertz & Co. to manufacture vanity boxes for them.
As you can see from this advertisement, vanities were only one of the products crafted by this company.
Vanities were often referred to as fancy metal goods.
PATENT 1345359
One of the first vanities made for Alfred H Smith Co. was made by case manufacturer August Goertz & Company in about 1919.
The patent for this double vanity case is shown above.
Frederick Goertz and Russell Whitcomb are listed as the inventors.
THE SKYSCRAPER COMPACT
The iconic Art Deco Dorothy Gray Skyscraper compact was also made by August Goertz & Co.
This case was designed for Dorothy Gray in 1930 by Walter Goertz.
The case features a Wedgewood medallion.
A miniature version was also manufactured.
PATENT 1697180
Some of the most famous Karess Woodworth vanities were manufactured by August Goertz & Co.
Frederick & Walter Goertz are listed as the inventors of these enchanting cosmetic boxes.
Both of the vanities shown below were crafted using the patented design 1697180.
KARESS WOODWORTH FIANCEE CASE 1928
1928 AUGUST GOERTZ MADE CASE
The Karess Woodworth case shown above was the only vanity in their line to be silver plated.
AUGUST GOERTZ & CO INC PATENTED DESIGN
An enchanting Art Deco compact mirror which is fitted with an AUGUST GOERTZ & CO. INC. patented catch.
The lid is decorated with typically Art Deco clam-shell like patterns.
Splendid gem set floral motifs also grace the lid.
The patented catch is supremely Art Deco.
The gilded brass is lacquered and so this compact will maintain its beautiful appearance without the need for cleaning, as long as the lacquer is not damaged.
This wonderful antique vanity is suitable as a handbag / purse compact mirror or as a cherished display collectible.
The fastener catch fitted in this compact was patented by August Goertz & Co. in 1931.
This patented design (1802796) was invented by William E. Wacker & described below:
The invention has for a further object to provide a box catch or latch means of neat and attractive appearance, and of such character that the same may be very easily, quickly and simply manipulated by a mere proper touch of the thumb or finger to release the separable sections to permit opening of the box or other container to which the novel catch or latch means may be applied, thus providing a catch or latch means especially useful in connection with small boxes, such as women’s vanity cases, coin holders, and other containers for personal use.
PATENT 1802796
More beautiful vintage powder compacts.
Please note that although we spend many hours each month updating or compiling new work for our historical blog section which is free to view, we do not offer an appraisal, identification, valuation or dating service to members of the public.
We do not purchase stock from private sellers.
However, each purchase from our store is shipped with a lavishly illustrated history which dates the item and details the history of the item and that of the maker.
Sources:
Patent Office
Michael Hetherington’s collectingcompactsblogspot
