When people think of vintage powder compacts, one name stands above the rest – Stratton. Beautifully engineered, unmistakably British and available in thousands of stunning designs, Stratton compacts have become one of the most collectable vanity accessories ever produced.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or have just discovered your first compact at an antiques fair, understanding the history of Stratton makes owning one even more special.
The Beginning of a British Icon
Although the Stratton name became synonymous with powder compacts, the company actually began life in 1860 manufacturing knitting needles and other small metal goods in Birmingham, England. It wasn't until 1923 that the company entered the cosmetics market, initially assembling powder compact components imported from America before gradually manufacturing everything themselves in Britain.
By the early 1930s, Stratton had perfected both the quality and design of its compacts. Demand grew rapidly and the company soon became responsible for producing around half of all powder compacts used by the British cosmetics industry, an extraordinary achievement that cemented its reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Surviving the Second World War
Like many British manufacturers, Stratton faced enormous challenges during World War II. In 1940, bombing raids destroyed four of the company's five Birmingham factories, forcing production to halt while resources were diverted towards the war effort.
Following the war, metal shortages meant manufacturers had to become inventive. Some early post-war Stratton compacts were even produced using aircraft-grade aluminium, making these wartime and immediate post-war pieces particularly interesting to collectors today.
The Golden Age of Glamour
The 1950s and 1960s were undoubtedly Stratton's golden years.
As Hollywood glamour influenced fashion and cosmetics, elegant powder compacts became an essential accessory carried by women everywhere. A Stratton compact wasn't simply practical—it was a statement of style.
The company introduced one of its most famous innovations in 1948: the patented self-opening inner lid. As the compact opened, the inner lid lifted automatically, protecting loose powder while making the compact easier to use without damaging freshly painted fingernails. It was a clever piece of engineering that quickly became a hallmark of the brand.
Convertible, Glamorizer and Princess Compacts
One reason Stratton remains so popular is the incredible variety it produced.
Collectors will often come across names such as:
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Convertible – designed to hold either loose powder or pressed powder.
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Glamorizer – created for pressed powder refills with interchangeable fittings.
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Princess, Queen and Slimline models – each offering different sizes, shapes and internal mechanisms.
These practical innovations allowed women to continue using their favourite compact even as cosmetic fashions evolved throughout the decades.
Designs for Every Taste
Perhaps the greatest appeal of Stratton lies in its enormous range of artwork.
Over the decades the company produced thousands of designs including:
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Floral bouquets
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English country gardens
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Butterflies and birds
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Horses and sporting scenes
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Scottish tartans
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Art Deco patterns
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Engine-turned guilloché finishes
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Enamelled landscapes
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Musical compacts
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Zodiac signs
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Royal commemorative editions
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Fashion illustrations
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Animal portraits
Many artists also signed their work, creating highly sought-after pieces that collectors actively search for today. Limited production runs and unusual artwork can make certain designs exceptionally difficult to find.
Why Collectors Love Stratton
Stratton compacts have endured because they combine beauty with exceptional engineering.
Even after sixty or seventy years, it's common to find examples where the hinge remains smooth, the clasp closes securely and the mirror is still perfectly usable.
Collectors also appreciate:
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Excellent build quality
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Beautiful British craftsmanship
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Huge variety of designs
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Reliable dating through catalogues and model types
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Strong collector community
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Practical usability with modern powder refills
Many owners continue to use their vintage Stratton compact every day, giving these wonderful pieces a second life rather than leaving them hidden away in a drawer.
The Decline of Powder Compacts
Changing fashions during the 1970s and 1980s gradually reduced demand for traditional powder compacts. As make-up packaging became increasingly disposable and plastic replaced metal, elegant vanity accessories fell out of favour.
Stratton acquired several competitors, including Kigu and Mascot, in an effort to strengthen its position, but changing consumer habits proved difficult to overcome. After several ownership changes, production eventually ceased in 1997, bringing an end to one of Britain's most famous vanity manufacturers.
Why Stratton Compacts Are More Popular Than Ever
Ironically, the end of production has only increased their appeal.
Today's collectors appreciate the quality that modern cosmetic packaging rarely offers. Each compact represents an era when everyday objects were built to last and designed to be treasured.
Whether engraved as a birthday gift, carried in a handbag through the 1950s, or tucked away unused in its original box for decades, every Stratton compact has its own story to tell.
At The Compact Collective, we love researching these beautiful pieces, uncovering rare designs and helping collectors discover the history behind every compact we sell. From everyday favourites to unusual and highly collectable examples, each one is a small piece of British design history waiting to be appreciated once again.
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