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Reader Needs Help Identifying This Item

in
August 14, 2009 - 10:53am

Hello,
I have a beautiful porcelain piece that I have NO idea what it was used for or what is called. It is approximately 3 1/2" tall and 3 1/2" wide. The holes on top are 3/4" in diameter. The bottom is signed (engraved) with what appears to be Norma Hoemann or Holmann. A friend told me she thought it was from the 1930s but wasn't sure what it was. It seems too short for a napkin holder. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Christy


Comments

August 20, 2009 - 7:59am — Carol

Hi Curious,

Notes from the Lane received this question via email from a reader, which is why it was posted to the blog. The reader may or may not have been a shopowner. Ruby Lane does have a What's This? shop and a What was this? shop on the main site, which is open to Ruby Lane shopowners only.

Shopowners may list an item in the What's This? shop and/or submit a question to the blog via email. If you have a question about an item, be sure to read the 'how to' information listed under the What's This? tab prior to submitting your "What's This?" question.

Carol

Editor: Notes from the Lane

August 16, 2009 - 5:49pm — claire

Lipstick holder

It sits on your dresser and you put your lipstick tubes into the holes. Or you can put nail polish bottles in if they are skinney.

August 17, 2009 - 11:34am — clprice

Lipstick holder

Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate it!
Christy

August 15, 2009 - 11:08am — avintagewhim

Hello Christy, I believe

Hello Christy,

I believe your item is a lipstick holder for a ladies dressing table or vanity. The earliest examples I have seen have been 1940's but they were made well into the late 1970's. If the name looks as if it were hand painted not stamped, then perhaps it is the name of the person who painted the blank ceramic figure. Hope that helps!

Dottie
"A Vintage Whim" Vintage Jewelry & Collectables At Rubylane

August 14, 2009 - 2:10pm — cinsababe

Definitely a lipstick holder

Definitely a lipstick holder and a very cute one at that. If you search for girl lipstick holder on Ruby Lane you will find several similar ones. They were popular all the way through the 50s and into the early 60s. Cinsababe

August 14, 2009 - 1:02pm — alleycatsvintage

Mystery Item

Alley Cats Vintage

I'm thinking it is a lipstick holder. They used something very similar to this in the 40's/50's to hold lipstick. I remember my Mother having one. It's darling.

August 14, 2009 - 11:30am — suzanstreasures

cute!

It's a lipstick holder for your vanity or dresser. There were many clever designs. Most were made in Japan in the 1950's. I've had several in my shop, but not one exactly like this. They are charming and quite collectible.

Best wishes,
Suzan
SuzansTreasures

August 19, 2009 - 7:04pm — cobayley

Curious

I'm sorry, I'm just curious. Why did you post your question for ID here, instead of on the Ruby Lane "What's This"?

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