SEVEN ART DECO COBALT BLUE COSMETICS CASES AND PERFUME BOTTLES, LUCRETIA VANDERBILT, FOR MCKESSON-ROBBINS, CIRCA 1927, designed by Leon A. Danco (American 1898-1976), the lady's toiletries, including a large perfume bottle, the flat circular flacon created from opaque white overlaid in cobalt blue glass topped by a molded stopper, the bottle mounted on a square silvered base with raised butterflies flanking "Lucretia Vanderbilt" on a blue enamel ground, accompanied by the original navy silk drop-front presentation box, height: 3 3/4"; a matching miniature cobalt blue flacon with an acid etched and gilt stylized butterfly logo just below the bottle 's corded neck, integral rectangular foot with white paper label "Concentrated Extract by Lucretia Vanderbilt," height: 2 1/4"; a pair of miniature perfume tester bottles, each housed in a cylindrical tin case, height: 2"; an oval vanity powder box, height: 1 3/4"; a small oval vanity box, height: 1 3/4"; a triple compact with petite lipstick case, the rectangular lid featuring the stylized butterfly logo, opening to a rectangular powder pot under a narrow tray with pop-up base for missing petite lipstick, opposite a mirror, which can be opened to reveal a rose blush pot and original rectangular navy silk embroidered application pad, accompanied by a small wire display stand, length: 2 1/4". Note: Hugely successful but short lived, the line was launched by pharmaceutical giant McKesson-Robbins in 1929, on eve of the Stock Market Crash and subsequent American Great Depression. The distinctive Art Moderne packaging was designed by a young war hero by the name of Leon A. Danco (American 1898-1976), who was hired as the manager of McKesson-Robbins perfume and cosmetics department because of his experience working as Vice President of the family owned perfume importer, Belgian Trading Company. The true identity of Lucretia Vanderbilt is unknown. However, it is speculated to be the daughter of former pharmaceutical partner, Charles Olcott (American d.1853). Olcott 's daughter, born Ethel Lucretia Olcott (American 1885-1980), was a musical prodigy who published her first opus at eighteen, performed concerts nation wide, and lived with and taught guitar to the famous Vanderbilt family. All of the compact cases and containers associated with the Lucretia Vanderbilt line were manufactured by The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Connecticut. Special thanks to Compactstory and Grace E. Hummel, both of whom provide further information.

The collection in overall excellent condition. The large cobalt blue perfume bottle and original presentation case in excellent condition, as is the miniature matching cobalt blue flacon, although gilt logo slightly worn. The two trial size bottles, as well as their tin cylindrical cases, also in excellent condition, one of the bottles with either later or replacement screw stopper. The larger oval vanity box with some wear, such as areas of discoloration on the lid 's top, as well as a tear in the cardboard base. The small oval vanity box in very fragile condition, the navy enamel flaking off of the lid and case exterior to reveal silvered metal underneath. Finally, the triple compact with petite lipstick case in good condition, with remnants of face powder and blush but missing petite lipstick. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."