Sometimes we see listings where the merchant states that the Stratton compact is presented in the original box. On occasions these Stratton brand vanities date to the 1950s and the “original box” dates to the 1980s!
The following information has been compiled to show the wide variety of Stratton brand presentation boxes and puffs.
However, this brand was so long lived this may not be a complete guide.
This trade catalogue dates to c.1958 because the company used the name Laughton & Sons Ltd. on the back cover.
Meanwhile the listing shown below in the April 26 1958 edition of The Chemist And Druggist describes the makers as JARRETT RAINSFORD & LAUGHTON LTD., WARSTOCK ROAD, BIRMINGHAM 14.
The collaboration of Laughton & Sons Ltd. (owners of Stratton compact mirrors & accessories) & Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd. was one that worked so well. Laughton & Sons commissioned Wedgwood to make commemorative plaques to adorn their vanities and also purely decorative mounts.
In 1860 Stephen Jarrett and Charles Rainsford joined in partnership. Jarrett was a pin manufacturer and jeweller. Rainsford was a commercial traveller. The partners took on premises at 7 Broad Street, Islington, Birmingham. The success of the venture enabled Jarrett & Rainsford to move new premises at 48 Broad Street in 1870. In 1898 the firm took on an office boy who exhibited much promise. This young man was named George A. Laughton. The partners were so impressed with him that by 1904 he was rewarded with the position of assistant manager.
Without doubt Stratton were the most successful brand of British powder compact. The quality of their enamel was clearly superior to the other British brands at the time. Vintage Stratton accessories are highly collectible today and many have proved to be a good investment.
With thanks to the material written by Juliette Edwards in her book The Stratton Identification Key, collectors can say for certain what model is rare, uncommon & common. Coupled with known years of availability it is possible to build a big picture of exactly how rare an item is.
The company which was to go on to make the wonderful Stratton brand powder compacts which are so highly collectible today was formed in 1860. This firm was one of the great British companies which manufactured world class products. These ranged from elegant accessories to marine radios. The business employed a highly skilled and dedicated workforce from 1860 until 1997 when production ceased. We have included an illustrated timeline.
