Item Number: CC-11
Dimensions: 3½″ Base D – 2⅞″ H
Production Dates: 1916-1928
The Round Puff Box & Cover was introduced in 1916, one year after the Square Puff Box & Cover made its debut. It had a much shorter life than its square sibling, but long enough for us to still find them today. These are not common items, and finding one in good to excellent condition is getting more difficult with each passing year. Many of the covers (or lids) are found chipped or cracked. Lifting and placing the covers on the round boxes should not be done with great haste, and always done with a gentle touch.
Vanity or boudoir items of the American pattern usually had a specific purpose. Puff boxes are one such example. They were usually filled with face or body powder – a dusting powder of sorts, usually accompanied by a powder puff. Once the original product was used, the glass boxes could then be refilled as needed. The boxes could also be used for a variety of other purposes, in addition to being used as a decorative item. These boxes are treasures from another period, and quite beautiful to behold.
I would imagine that this piece was not that easy to make, as it has an exquisite round glass cover with a smooth top. The cube design is visible from the top; however, it is pressed from the underside – leaving a top that is smooth to the touch and easy to handle. When it comes to powder jars, things can get messy quick, so this cover design was probably very appreciated by the ladies trying to keep their boxes clean and pristine. The Round Puff Box often has a ground bottom, which sits itself quite well on the dresser or tabletop.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Puff Boxes on eBay. The search results are usually slim, but these items do show up for sale every now and again.
