Rare 1950s Pygmalion Sonata No.21 Musical Grand Piano Powder Compact – Boxed Complete Working
Rare 1950s Pygmalion Sonata No.21 Musical Grand Piano Powder Compact – Boxed Complete Working
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Every vintage piece is individually checked and described, with any notable age-related wear clearly detailed and photographed. Orders are carefully packed and sent using tracked delivery, with international shipping available.
A superb and exceptionally complete vintage Pygmalion Sonata No.21 musical powder compact, dating to the 1950s and designed in the wonderfully imaginative form of a miniature grand piano.
One of Pygmalion’s most distinctive novelty designs, the Sonata is beautifully modelled throughout, with an ornate gold-tone case, radiating starburst decoration across the piano lid and scrolling detail around the sides. Three individually folding piano legs allow the compact to stand as a miniature grand piano when displayed.
This is the musical version of the Sonata No.21. The musical mechanism is wound from beneath the compact and remains in full working order. Please see the accompanying video demonstrating the mechanism in operation.
The shaped piano lid opens to reveal a large fitted mirror. Inside is the separate lidded loose-powder compartment, complete with its original shaped sifter and original Sonata powder puff.
Particularly special is the completeness of this example. It retains not only its original puff and sifter but also its original shaped black pouchette and fitted burgundy Pygmalion presentation box — accessories which are frequently separated from these compacts over the decades.
The compact remains in lovely vintage condition, with a bright gold-tone finish and all three folding legs intact and functioning. There is light wear commensurate with age and previous use, including some age-related spotting internally. The original presentation box shows age-related wear and some staining to its satin lining, all of which is shown clearly in the photographs.
The mirror remains bright and usable, the hinges and closures operate correctly, and importantly the musical mechanism is fully working.
A scarce and wonderfully theatrical piece of British mid-century vanity design, made particularly desirable by its working musical mechanism and remarkable survival with its original accessories and presentation packaging.