Antique Sterling Silver Minaudiere Compact Case Dance Purse Chatelaine

So sleek and swingy is this antique sterling silver minaudière case a.k.a “dance purse” chatelaine, with compartments for storing compact makeup, dance cards, or other small personal items, circa early 1900s.

The miniature antique case consists of sterling silver, with chain handle, textured surface, push clasp, and personalized engraved letters of “TS”. 

Inside there is a hinged mirror, and two separate hinged compartments as shown – one with the original powder puff within – along with two panel knobs, each bezel set with a dark blue glass cab.

The hinged mirror also swings to the right to reveal more hidden storage.  A similar minaudiere is shown in an advertisement from a 1913 issue of “The Keystone” (see last pic).

*Please note that there is a bit of silvering loss on the mirror as shown.

The fancy purse measures approximately 2 by 3 inches in size, and is marked “Sterling” within.