The Metal Flip Top Case Purse Flacon, introduced in 1934, represented a stylish update to Coty’s portable perfume offerings. Moving away from the earlier “coffin-style” cases of the 1920s and early 1930s, this new version adopted a sleek, modern rectangular silhouette. The case was finished in a gold-tone metal, though surviving examples often show wear to the gilding from years of handling. Its most distinctive feature was the flip-top lid, accented with a strip of black Bakelite that added both visual contrast and a touch of contemporary sophistication.
The construction was practical as well as decorative. A hinge on the left side allowed the lid to lift smoothly, while a small deep-red tab on the right served as the release mechanism—pressing it caused the top to spring open, revealing the perfume bottle nestled inside. The front panel was engraved with Coty’s logo, giving the case an elegant, branded finish. Measuring approximately 2.5 inches tall, 1⅜ inches wide, and ⅝ inch thick, it was perfectly sized for a handbag or evening purse. The case was invented by August Mitchell and produced by the Scovill Manufacturing Co., a longtime maker of quality metal goods.
Inside, the accompanying bottle was deliberately simple. Made of clear glass, it echoed the earlier banded-style flacons in its clean, unadorned form. The stopper provided the decorative flourish—molded with a stylized floral motif typical of the 1930s. The base was molded with “Coty”, indicating production at Coty’s own glassworks. The bottle held ¼ ounce of parfum and was offered in fragrances such as Emeraude, L’Aimant, L’Origan, and likely others.
Altogether, this presentation blended functional design with modern materials, offering a practical yet fashionable way to carry Coty’s most-loved perfumes.
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