WWII RAF Sterling Silver Enamel Powder Compact 1944 D Day Memorabilia

£1,100.00

A fabulous World War II sterling silver and blue guilloche enamel powder compact which was crafted by John William Barrett and assayed at Birmingham in D Day year (1944). A wonderful piece of British history. The city of Birmingham suffered from heavy bombing by the German Luftwaffe which began on August 9 1940. Birmingham was the third most bombed English city in WWII. The Luftwaffe would continue to blitz Birmingham until April 23 1943. 

To think that silversmiths would continue to craft exquisite vanities for the wives of our brave RAF pilots during this time and in the following years is uplifting and shows their spirit and determination. This piece is exceptionally good and it is obvious that this vanity has been cherished and treated with great respect. 

The enamel is most appropriately Air Force Blue, which is described as a medium shade of the colour azure.....like the sky on a clear summers day. The enamel is in excellent condition, as is the whole item. There isn't any enamel loss, damage or fading. The guilloche enamel is in a style which mirrors the chevrons seen on the RAF uniforms. We have not managed to capture the true beauty of this highly collectible vanity. The enamel is so much more vibrant. It is a mesmerizing beauty!

Set atop the lid is a sterling silver enamelled pilot's flying badge. 

A double thumb catch ensures ease of opening. The interior contains a good clear mirror which gives an accurate reflection. The hallmarks are unworn and easy to read. The original sifter is present and so this compact can be used with loose face powder or kept part of a collection. Measures 3 inches diameter. Weighs 101.6 grams. An immaculate black velvet pouch is included.

Such an evocative antique which embodies the spirit, determination and pride so prevalent in mid-century Britain. 

More wonderful hallmarked silver powder compacts.

We want you to be happy with your purchases and so we offer a full money back guarantee (less shipping costs). See our return policies for details.

Delivery aims:

FREE EXPRESS DELIVERY on this order worldwide
1 DAY SHIPPING UK - next working day delivery when purchased before 11 am.
4 - 10  DAY SHIPPING to USA, Canada, Australia, EU, New Zealand & the rest of the world.

Order by 11 am for same day dispatch. 

We no longer ship to Germany.

Free luxury gift box & handmade gift tag as standard with your order

International expedited shipping is available at cost. This takes approximately four working days. Please contact us for details. 

Have you considered layaway? With a small deposit you will secure the item until you are ready to pay in full.

We also provide a free personal shopper service. If you are too busy to browse let us know your requirements and price range and we will personally select the finest variety of our stock to suit your specifications.

Each purchase will be shipped in a beautifully decorated gift box - If you would like us to print a message for your gift tag just ask.    

As gold, silver and vanities specialists we are uniquely placed to give you the history of your purchase. Each piece is shipped with a lavishly illustrated history. 

Alternatively you may pay by bank transfer or reserve an item and send a cheque to us.

Please contact us for reservations or to discuss layaway options. There are no extra charges for reservations or layaway. We are very flexible and we offer up to six month reservations. We use tracked, insured priority shipping & have supplied fine collectibles to many hundreds of delighted customers all over the world.

If you need any advice please feel free to contact us:

Email: antiqueandcollect@gmail.com

Call: 0789 6616374

International callers:  +44 789 6616374

More solid silver powder compacts.