Stratton has produced many beautiful powder compacts since the company was founded in 1860 as a knitting needle manufacturer, under the name of Stratnoid.
In 1923, the name was changed to Stratton and the firm began importing parts from America and assembling powder compacts. By the 1930s, manufacturing began in Birmingham, with Stratton making all its own parts. Stratton quickly achieved a market share of 50% of the compacts made for the UK cosmetics industry. However, in 1940 enemy bombing resulted in the closure of four of its five factories. In 1946, operations resumed but rationing and a shortage of metal slowed production. By the 1950s Stratton was a worldwide success as powder compacts were hugely fashionable. Sadly, by the 1980s fashions had changed and demand for compacts had declined.
Stratton was sold in 1997, and there was a small scale revival in the 2000s. Although the name remains, Stratton compacts are no longer made in England and are now sold as Stratton of Mayfair, using assembled components.
What to look for when collecting Stratton compacts
A quick search of the internet shows that there are many sellers describing Stratton compacts as ‘vintage but new’ and ‘vintage style’ so it is useful to understand how to date Strattons if you are looking for vintage Stratton compacts.
Stratton compacts were produced in very large numbers. Unless you are certain that you are buying a Stratton that is very, very rare, I would suggest that you buy the very best condition pre 1997 Strattons you can find. Prices vary, but some beautiful compacts in excellent condition can be bought for £30 to £50, or less. The rarer versions will cost considerably more.
Tips for dating Stratton compacts
Early Stratton compacts
Early ‘Stratnoid’ compacts are tiny, with a diameter of just 5 cm (2″). They were marketed under the name ‘Stratnoid’ and were usually stamped “Stratnoid. Made in England”.
Later ‘Regal’ compacts were larger, with a diameter of 7.5 cm (3″). The mirror frames were usually stamped “Stratton. Made in England”, and the bases had a pattern of incised tight spiral lines (sometimes called a coarse spiral). These compacts were also called ‘Scone’ and ‘Corona’ in the Stratton catalogues and were manufactured from the late 1930s to 1950s.
Mid-century Stratton compacts
‘Rondette’ compacts often had the appearance of glass enamel and were used for a hugely successful series of bird designs. The Rondette was first manufactured in around 1959, and remained in production until 1997. The early bases featured a design of stars. Those without the Stratton name on the base can be dated to the 1950s or 1960s, and those with bases featuring a design of stars encircling the Stratton name can be dated to the 1960s or 1970s. Bases with a design of lines and spots date from the 1970s to 1980s, and bases featuring a woven design were manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s. These base patterns were not exclusive to the Rondette. Other designs that could share these base designs include, among others, the ‘Regal’, the ‘Empress’, the ‘Princess’, the ‘Royale’, the ‘Regency’, the ‘Camera’ and the ‘Petite’.
Remember that Stratton only manufactured compacts with self opening inner lids from 1948 onwards.
Convertible compacts or compacts which take cream powder date from at least the mid 1950s.
Stratton patented its famous “Compact-in-Hand” mark in 1948. This was a delicate opening mechanism, designed to protect manicures. This trademark was unique to Strattons manufactured between around 1950 and 1970.
Modern Stratton compacts
Compacts manufactured after 2014 often have the Stratton name marked on the compact mirror. The most recent modern Strattons are branded “Stratton of Mayfair”.
To see the vintage Stratton powder compacts which I currently have available in my Etsy shop, please click HERE (by clicking this link my Etsy shop will open in a new tab).