Rare Vintage Salvador Dalí "Bird in Hand" Compact by Elgin American - c. 1950

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

This Ultra Rare Salvador Dali Elgin “Bird in Hand” Gold Compact has been called " The Holy Grail" of compacts by antique experts. It is the Most Coveted Compact and very few exist.

Made of gilt-brass, the bird has red cabochon eyes. The head is signed DALI and it is the removeable head for the lipstick compartment, a pop up door exposes the powder compartment and another pop up door hides a  small pillbox in the tail.

Condition is overall good vintage. There is some verdigris and couple spots of loss of gold finish. Nothing major. A few tiny dark spots on the mirror. The compartment doors open and snap shut nicely.

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

This is a lovely piece of artistic Dali history and a true collectors piece.

Item Details

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

Condition Report

• Overall: Good vintage condition with beautiful structural integrity.
• Finish: Shows slight authentic finish/color loss and light surface wear consistent with age, adding a beautiful antique patina.
• Mechanical: All hinges open smoothly and snap shut securely.
• Interior: Internal mirror is intact; the powder and lipstick compartments are clear of heavy residue.
• The lipstick tube still holds the ORIGINAL clear lip gloss.
• Please view all photos as they are part of the disclosed condition.