Salvador Dalí Signed "Bird in Hand" Surrealist Powder Compact by Elgin American — Fine Art Collectible, c. 1950

Own a piece of wearable art history. Designed by surrealist master Salvador Dalí in approximately 1950, this highly collectible Elgin American "Bird in Hand" compact is an absolute treasure for vintage vanity and fine art collectors alike.

This iconic piece is crafted from textured gilt-brass in the shape of a bird. The main body flips open to reveal a heart-shaped powder compartment and a clear glass mirror. The small lower flap acts as the release hinge to reveal a pillbox, and the bird's head serves as a clever, integrated lipstick holder.

Called "The Holy Grail" of compacts by antique experts, this is among the most coveted vanity objects ever produced — very few are known to exist.

Made of gilt-brass with red cabochon eyes. The head is signed DALI and serves as the removable lipstick compartment. A pop-up door exposes the powder compartment; another conceals a small pillbox in the tail.

Plaque is signed: Elgin American / Made in USA / Pat. Pending

A true collector's piece and a singular moment of Dalí artistry in functional form.

Item Details

• Designer: Salvador Dalí
• Manufacturer: Elgin American
• Era: Circa 1950s
• Material: Gilt brass / Base metal
• Functionality: Vanity powder compact with mirror, lipstick compartment, and pillbox

Condition Report

• Overall: Good vintage condition with strong structural integrity
• Exterior finish: Light gold tone color loss on the interior rim, consistent with age and use
• Mirror: A few small dark spots on the mirror surface — noted and visible in photos
• Mechanical: All hinges open smoothly and snap shut securely
• Interior: Powder and lipstick compartments are clear; original clear lip gloss still present in the lipstick tube. There are small areas of verdigris on interior rim. See photos
• Please view all photos as they are part of the disclosed condition