Anyone know what this is? Manly shaving artifact or container for powder puff?

[RonV]

This was given to me by a friend who believed it was shaving related. However, I am beginning to think it is a powder puff holder or something like that perhaps from the early part of the 20th century. Anyway, it says "Made in Germany" on the bottom and the bottom is made of that old grayish cardboard perhaps of WWI vintage-- also the inside of lid is lined with same, not pictured because I spun it around for photo in what I once believed was shaving position. I thought this was some kind of bowl to lather in-- anyway, anyone know what this is?

 

[Riff Raff]

It looks to me like this is a travel soap dish for shaving soaps. Although most of the shaving soaps were sticks back in that era, there were still shaving mugs and the milk glass was quite common with late 19th, early 20th century shaving mugs. I think this was meant to be used with soaps on the go.

Just my $0.02.

 

[JaxJim]

My guess would be a combination lathering bowl/shaving mirror, but I suppose it could be a powder puff holder. I think you're pretty safe calling it whatever you want-- who's going to prove you wrong?

 

[RonV]

So far, I am right there with both of you- I did not remember the term "milk glass" however and that describes it better than porcelain (which is, of course, much heaver and smoother). Thanks you both!!!!

 

[Trek2100]

This is part of a ladies vanity set. They were extremely common. My mother had one, my sister as well as my aunt. Years ago many, perhaps most women had them including my wife. I think she still as her's packed away. The one you show was made to hold powder. They also made them to hold bobby pins (hair pins). Sometimes they were made out of glass with either a glass or metal lid. The sets usually included a hair brush, comb, powder holder and a long handled mirror and they usually sat on a vanity table (still available) on a tray that matched the set. The expensive set's were made from sterling silver. The cheapies that most folks had were not made all that well. They were not made to get wet evidenced by the card board. If you leave it on a wet counter the metal will most likely rust.

 

[Big Jim]

It's a powder compact. It's what held powder so a lady could powder her nose. Missing is the dauber or whatever it was called to apply the powder with.

 

[RonV]

Hmmm- just cked back on this thread and sorry I did-- it is, unfortunately, what I expected, though I certainly preferred the first two answers- I am certain that it is a powder container now! Thanks for everyone's help though!!!

 

[Trek2100]

Hmmm- just cked back on this thread and sorry I did-- it is, unfortunately, what I expected, though I certainly preferred the first two answers- I am certain that it is a powder container now! Thanks for everyone's help though!!!

You may thank my wife, she knows all things woman and has more stuff than an antique shop and cosmetics store combined, well almost. You should see my house. My friends call it the museum, lol.

 

[The Dean]

I believe this is a manly powder puff container.

 

[DFSDAILY]

Fill it with Clubman or Gold Bond talc and get a generic powder puff at the drug store and you'll be set for after shower care.