While collecting vintage beauty accessories, most collectors overlook vintage lipstick holders! In fact, many people have no idea what a lipstick holder even is. These odd little cases and holders were a crucial accessory for women throughout the 20th century.
And today, these vanity table and purse must-haves, ranging from scandalous 1900s silver cases to whimsical 1960s figurines, are again popular – this time, as a collectible!
This guide covers experts’ insights into spotting valuable vintage lipstick holders and what makes them valuable, along with some rare examples! Who knows, you might have a rare case rolling in your vanity drawer!
What Is a Lipstick Holder?
A vintage lipstick holder is a decorative accessory designed to hold (store), display, or carry lipstick tubes. These pieces range from simple metal cases to elaborate porcelain figurines with hidden compartments.
A Brief Historical Timeline
The lipstick holder revolution began in 1915 when Maurice Levy invented the metal lipstick tube, followed by James Bruce Mason Jr.’s swivel-up mechanism patent in 1923. The 1920s saw the rise of Art Deco design.
Luxury houses like Van Cleef & Arpels created high-end vanity cases, including the first “minaudière” in 1930. Then World War II shifted production when metal rationing forced manufacturers to use plastic and cardboard instead of precious metals.
After the war, ornate feminine designs returned in the 1950s. The 1960s boosted the popularity of porcelain figurines, with companies like Josef Originals dominating the market. Today, these holders from these different eras hold significant value!
Identifying Vintage Lipstick Holders (4 Key Signs)
To spot a real vintage lipstick holder, you must know what signs to look for! From materials to brand markings, let me break down the key identification features of authentic holders in detail!
Types of Lipstick Holders
Not all the lipstick holders are the same! Some were made to be kept on the dressing tables, while others were made to be carried in a purse. So, when it comes to identifying, you must know the following lipstick holder types:
- Vanity Table Holders: These holders were designed to sit pretty on dressing tables. These are multi-tube stands that can hold 2-6 lipsticks upright, while rotating carousels offer multiple compartments. Italian Capodimonte pieces are particularly valuable!
- Purse and Handbag Cases: These holders were made keeping portability in mind. Some cases looked just like lipstick tubes for discretion, while others folded open to reveal mirrors. Chain-attached cases from the 1910s featured rings for chatelaine attachment!
- Compact Combinations: These are extremely creative and functional holders that combine powder compacts with lipstick holders. Stratton was a major player here, creating elegant sets that are highly sought after today.
- Combination Cases: These were unique cases in which a lipstick holder was merged with cigarette cases and coin holders.
Base Materials
The second important clue to identify a vintage holder is its materials. For example, earlier examples used precious and base metals, while modern versions focus on lightweight and cheap materials.
Here are the key materials used in vintage lipstick holders, with tips to spot them:
- Sterling Silver: Sterling silver holders are the high-end examples. You can spot them by authentic hallmarks like “925” stamps or “Sterling” markings. Also, real sterling holders have substantial weight and develop natural tarnish patterns over time. If it’s light or looks too shiny, it could be a fake.
- Gold or Gold Plated: Solid gold holders are extremely rare and valuable. More common are gold-plated pieces over brass bases. Gold-plated holders generally show significant wear where the plating has been rubbed off.
- Brass & Other Metals: Brass became super popular after WWI, when scrap metal was abundant. You’ll often see it nickel-plated or with natural patina aging. Aluminum holders gained popularity during the Art Deco period for their sleek, modern look.
- Bakelite: This is the premium early plastic. It’s heavy, makes a distinctive “clunk” when tapped, and smells like formaldehyde when heated. Most Bakelite holders featured colors, such as rich mustards, caramels, and tortoiseshell.
- Celluloid and Lucite: These are thinner and lighter than Bakelite. Celluloid and Lucite lipstick holders often contain glitter or embedded decorative elements that make them more lavish.
- Other Materials: Some vintage lipstick holders may also feature leather, exotic skins (for outer slipcases), mother-of-pearl, abalone, carved wood, rhinestones, genuine gemstones, and glass (rarely for the main holder, but for decorative elements).
Construction Signs
Observing how an old lipstick holder is constructed and finished can tell you a lot about its age and authenticity. Here’s how:
- Hinges: Early holders had plain and simple pin hinges – basic but functional. Later versions got fancier with spring-loaded hinges that felt more sophisticated.
- Seams: Seams can tell a lot about your piece’s age. For example, early holders have hand-soldered seams that show slight imperfections and irregularities – that’s the human touch. Machine-welded seams look perfectly clean and uniform, hinting at newer production.
- Finish: Hand-polishing on antique lipstick holders has a different quality than machine work! Besides, original patina (that natural wear and oxidation) is way more valuable than pieces that have been over-polished or restored.
- Weight: It’s an important quality check! Heavier pieces usually mean better materials – solid metal versus plated, or thicker gauge metal that costs more to use. Modern pieces are generally lighter.
- Mechanisms: Early swivel-up mechanisms might be simpler and less precise, but they should still function properly if the piece is in good condition.
Maker Marks
Maker’s marks are often your best shot at a genuine vintage piece. In case of lipstick cases and holders, you may find these inside the lid, on the base, or along an edge. You’ll need a jeweler’s loupe to spot them.
Here are the different types of markings you might come across:
Hallmarks
These are essential indicators for precious metals. Sterling silver will show “Sterling,” “.925,” or specific national marks like the lion passant for British sterling. Gold pieces have karat marks (10K, 14K, 18K) often paired with the manufacturer’s mark.
Brand Names and Logos
These are the key signs of who made your lipstick holder. And these marks are crucial because pieces from renowned brands can be valuable. Always check for logos, brand names (or initials), or symbols to trace the manufacturer.
Some of the prominent US makers of lipstick holders are: Stratton (UK but widely imported), Elgin American, Evans, Volupté, Wadsworth, Rex Fifth Avenue, Majestic, Zell, Dorset-Rex, and R&G Co. (Riker & Godspeed).
Many of these renowned brands generally mark their accessories, including the lipstick holders. For example:
- Elgin American: Look for “Elgin American” in Art Deco cursive or “Elgin American Mfg Co.” They made elaborate rhinestone pieces and even had Salvador Dali create a collectible “Bird-In-Hand” design in 1950.
- Stratton: Real vintage Stratton holders may bear the “Stratton” or early “Strattons” markings, often with patent numbers. Patent 2919019 covered their spring-loaded mechanisms.
- Josef Originals: These often have incised “Josef Originals” markings on the bottoms. Besides, authentic pieces have black painted eyes—reproductions often show reddish-brown eyes. California production (1945-1959) differs from later Japanese production.
Patent Numbers
These occasionally show up, especially on complex mechanisms. You can research these through patent databases to get the exact manufacturing dates of your lipstick holder. But most common examples don’t have patent numbers.
Here are some key patents to guide you:
- US1236846 (1917): First American metal lipstick holder by William Kendall
- US1480449 (1924): Double mechanisms by Kendall
- US2600811 (1952): Safety mechanisms by Pierre Suinat/Chanel
Country of Origin
You may sometimes find marks like “Made in USA,” “Made in England,” “France,” or “Germany” on vintage holders. These marks are direct indicators of the origin and manufacturing era.
What Makes Old Lipstick Holders Valuable?
Now that you know how to spot a real deal, let’s understand what drives its value. The key factors that influence a vintage lipstick holder’s value are:
Condition
This is easily the make-or-break factor, because the better the condition, the more valuable a holder is! So, lipstick holders with no wear, scratches, or damage and all mechanisms working perfectly always fetch high premiums!
For holders with mirrors, the quality of the mirror and its condition should be excellent, with no significant scratches or cracks, for them to be valuable.
Overall, when it comes to the condition of an old lipstick case or holder, here are the red flags to watch out for (they can significantly cut down the value):
- Heavy wear or damage
- Broken mechanisms
- Cracked or missing mirrors
- Significant finish loss
- Significant enamel loss
Material
The material not only helps you identify and age your holder, but it also directly affects its final worth. Here’s how materials typically rank in terms of monetary value:
| Material | Price Range | Key Points |
| Sterling Silver (premium makers) | $250-$1,000 | Georg Jensen pieces average $2,000-$4,000 |
| Silver-plated | $25-$150 | Stratton and quality American pieces |
| 18k Gold with stones | $1,000-$5,000+ | Art Deco examples command top prices |
| Quality Bakelite | $75-$500 | Rich colors and perfect condition essential |
| Brass/Bronze (quality pieces) | $40-$180 | Value also depends on age and design features |
| Porcelain figurines | $50-$350 | Rich colors and good condition are crucial |
Rarity & Collectibility
Rarity is what makes certain vintage pieces more collectible and valuable than others. Here’s what makes an old lipstick case rare:
- Limited Editions: Pieces made in small batches for special events, promotions, or collaborations are the holy grails! The fewer made, the more valuable they become.
- Short Production Runs: These are pieces produced by a manufacturer or product line that existed only briefly. Sometimes companies would test a design or run into production issues, making those pieces scarce.
- Prototypes or Samples are the holy grail – extremely rare pieces that usually only show up in museums or serious private collections.
- Unique Styles, Sizes, and Shapes: Lipstick holders with unusual shapes, like figural designs and animal shapes, exceptionally large vanity holders, or unique mechanical designs that break the mold are what collectors hunt for.
- Rare Materials and Craftsmanship: Collectors seek vintage holders made with techniques that were expensive, difficult, or just aren’t done anymore. For instance, highly intricate hand-engraving or specific types of enamel work that required master skills.
Functionality
Beyond just looking good, old lipstick holders also need to work in order to be valuable. So, ensure to check the lips, rotations, hinges, or any other mechanism used in your piece.
Does the swivel-up mechanism operate smoothly? Does the lid close securely? Is the mirror (if there is one) intact and clear? Can it still hold a standard modern lipstick? While that last one matters less for display pieces, working functionality always adds value.
Completeness
Always look for additional accessories as they can add serious value. Vintage holders with original boxes, velvet pouches, or paperwork like certificates of authenticity drive higher premiums from collectors compared to those without these accessories.
10 Good Examples of Rare Old Vintage Lipstick Holders Worth Money!
Based on the above features and signs, here are some rare vintage lipstick holders that can be worth anywhere between $50-$1,000 today!
1. Lador Carousel Music Box Lipstick Holder
This is the classic carousel-style lipstick holder music box, an epitome of vanity table luxury in the 1950s-60s. The piece features multiple lipstick slots arranged in a circular pattern, often with a music box mechanism that plays a tune while a central element (in this case, swan motifs) rotates.
The “Lador” label on the bottom indicates quality Swiss or Italian craftsmanship. What’s magical about these pieces is how they work – wind the key, press the button, and the whole thing comes alive with music and movement.
The value of carousel musical lipstick holders can range from $200-$1,500 or higher, depending on the brand, material, and condition! For example, Reuge carousel holders can command $1,000-$2,000!
2. Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Lipstick Case
When you see “Tiffany & Co.” and “Made in Italy” on the same piece, just like this Sterling lipstick case, you know you’re looking at a luxurious accessory! This sleek case is a true example of the sophisticated minimalism Tiffany owned in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Unlike Victorian pieces, this one has clean lines and premium materials. Make sure to authenticate these pieces by looking for the “Tiffany & Co/Sterling/925/Italy” marking on the edge. The precious metal and the brand’s popularity of this piece justify the $775 price tag!
3. Josef Originals Blue Blonde Teen Girl Lipstick Holder
Josef Originals lipstick holders are serious collector’s charms, and this 1950s blonde teen figurine holder is a perfect example of it! Made from hand-painted porcelain, this holder features that classic 1950s aesthetic with her blue dress and perfectly styled hair.
The lipstick slots are cleverly hidden in her full skirt base. Josef Originals was founded in 1945! Its accessories were popular for novel designs, exceptional quality, and detailed work, all of which are seen in this piece, plus the brand marking on the back!
Depending on the condition, this Joseph Originals figurative lipstick stand can fetch $200-$800 or even more!
4. Ciner Compact Lipstick Combination Case
This is a museum-quality combination holder from Ciner Manufacturing Company, founded in 1892 by Emanuel Ciner! The company was known for creating the finest costume jewelry and vanity accessories in America.
This particular piece is a leather-cased compact lipstick combination case featuring an intricate windmill scene with precious stone accents and brass beading. What makes Ciner pieces so valuable is the use of premium materials like 18k gold plating and hand-set stones.
Besides, the scenic artwork is enameled or inlaid work, another defining feature of the Ciner specialty. The original leather case and mint condition of this piece justify the value of almost $500!
5. Ceramic Wall Plaque Lipstick Stand
This is a multipurpose lipstick case that can also be used as a toothbrush holder – a typical vintage accessory from the 1940s-50s. Made from hand-painted chalkware (a type of plaster), this bunny is holding two hollow trunks/pipes with holes on the top.
The charming design details, such as hand-painted features, vibrant colors, and that sweet expression, make these vintage animal figurine holders pieces make them special! Most chalkware pieces from this era were mass-produced, but the hand-painting makes them unique!
6. Sam Fink Filigree Gold Lipstick Holder
This is a lavish rose gold filigree holder from Sam Fink, one of the heavy hitters in vintage vanity accessories during the mid-20th century! The holder showcases the ornate metal openwork design with 16 rhinestones and the classic Art Nouveau-inspired styling.
Defining features of Sam Fink’s pieces? They’re typically marked with “SF” on the bottom, so you know you’ve got the real deal. The filigree work was all done by hand, so these holders feel substantial in hand. With average pieces fetching $30-$80, mint pieces can fetch much more.
7. Judith Leiber Golden Lipstick Case with Swarovski Crystals
This is an iconic lipstick case from Judith Leiber, a genuine piece of wearable art. This particular gold-tone metal case is completely covered in genuine Swarovski crystals, creating that signature sparkle Leiber was famous for.
Judith built her reputation on creating minaudières (fancy French word for decorative handbags) that were highly popular among celebrities and in the White House.
What makes this lipstick case special is that the crystals aren’t just glued on – they’re individually placed using the same techniques that made her evening bags coveted by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and First Ladies.
8. Norcrest Ceramic Mermaid Vanity Lipstick Holder
This adorable mermaid lipstick holder is a perfect example of the playful 1950s-60s accessories. It’s a ceramic holder with hand-painted details by Norcrest Fine China, founded in 1958, known for its fantasy-themed figurines, including mermaids and fairies.
The lipstick slots are hidden in the scalloped base, while the hand-painted mermaid sits gracefully on top. The porcelain quality and hand-painting are what make this holder vintage and valuable! Depending on the condition, these pieces can sell for $100-$500!
9. Helena Rubinstein Four Lipstick Cast Set Holder
This is a rare gold-tone metal case from the mid-20th century that holds four different lipstick shades in color-coded tubes. What’s genius about the design is that each lipstick slides into its slot, and the grooved wheels on top let you twist up individual shades.
The original lipsticks included shades like “Crackerjack” and “Command Performance” – names that will make you nostalgic! The unique design and functionality of this piece is the typical Helena Rubinstein style, which you can authenticate by the engraved name!
10. 1950s Ormolu Gold Filigree Tulip Flower Lipstick Holder
This stunning piece takes plain metal holders to the next level! Made from ormolu (a gold-colored alloy gilded with real gold), this holder features five tulip-shaped holders arranged like a bouquet on a flat base, a style highly popular in the 1950s!
The intricate filigree work was all done by hand, creating those delicate openwork patterns that are hardly seen today. Stylebuilt was known for quality vanity accessories, and this piece shows their mastery of the ornate Hollywood Regency style!
