Kigu Cherie Solid Sterling Silver Heart Powder Compact 1961 Rare Boxed Vintage Vanity

An exceptional and rarely encountered solid sterling silver Kigu ‘Cherie’ heart-shaped powder compact, fully hallmarked for London 1961 and presented in a Kigu of London box with a black heart-shaped protective pouch.

Part of Kigu’s celebrated Cherie range, the distinctive heart-shaped compact was conceived as a romantic love token. Period Kigu advertising charmingly promoted the design with the words, “For your chosen one, a ‘Cherie’ heart shape!” Although the Cherie was produced in a variety of finishes, surviving examples crafted in solid sterling silver are notably scarce.

Measuring approximately 8 x 7.5 cm and weighing approximately 100g, this substantial compact has a beautifully engine-turned silver exterior framed by an ornate foliate border. At its centre is a rectangular cartouche which, importantly, remains free from personal engraving.

The interior carries full British silver hallmarks for Kigu Ltd, sterling silver and London 1961. The quality of its construction is further demonstrated by individual components being separately marked with the lion passant, including the clasp, inner ring, mirror well and silver sifter lid. These marks have been photographed in detail.

Opening the compact reveals its original mirror and fitted powder compartment, retaining its fabric sifter beneath the separately hallmarked silver sifter lid. The powder puff is absent.

The compact is presented in a Kigu of London box and black heart-shaped protective pouch, creating a particularly impressive presentation for this scarce sterling silver example.

The silver has deliberately been left in its current unpolished condition and would benefit from a gentle clean and polish if desired. There are light signs of age and use consistent with a genuine vintage silver piece; please study all photographs carefully as these form part of the description.

A magnificent and highly collectable example of one of Kigu’s most recognisable designs. Solid sterling silver Cherie compacts are very rarely offered on the market, and an example retaining its unengraved cartouche, sifter and such attractive Kigu presentation pieces represents a particularly special opportunity for the serious collector of Kigu, vintage vanity accessories or British silver.