Vintage WW2 RCAF (Royal CANADIAN Air Force) Compact - Very Rare!

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You may have seen these compacts before... classic, simple styling with brilliant internal pieces combining to make a timeless makeup accessory. There are countless examples of Sterling silver and guilloche enamel compacts of varying shapes, all emblazoned proudly with the 'RAF' wings (Royal Air Force). However, I would hazard that you've never seen an example such as this... a RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) example of almost identical build. It is truly a spectacular and immensely rare piece of wartime history.

On September 3rd, 1939, England declared war on Germany. It was the first national declaration of what would evolve into the largest military conflict the world had ever seen. 7 days later, Canada joined the fight, declaring war separately as a gesture to signify their separation from their British founders. It was a short discussion, in Canadian parliament, as the German aggression was not just unwarranted, but intensive and brutal. In England, the British Expeditionary Force was the first to fly to France and begin the resistance. It consisted of 13 divisions, numbering some 390,000 soldiers by May 1940. Of course, this first foray into Europe culminated in the disastrous Dunkirk calamity, where 338,000 troops were trapped in northern France, necessitating an emergency evacuation of epic proportions, involving almost every type of floating vessel imaginable being dispatched from England. Of those troops, only 5,000 were Canadian soldiers, but Canada's contribution would extend far beyond those fateful, early months. The following years involved a great many Canadian soldiers from infantry, navy and air force regiments fighting with Allied forces across the Atlantic. The Army contributed a great many infantry-men to the cause, notably on D-day, June 6, 1944. That fateful European invasion fleet - the largest the world has yet to see - was the beginning of the Allied wave that would eventually come to free western Europe from the German aggressors. Canadians were instrumental during that invasion. Their landing point, code named Juno Beach, was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. So voracious were the Canadian forces that, after facing fierce German opposition, not only had they established a bridgehead, but their forward elements had forced their way further into France than any other Allied force, by the end of the day. Throughout the conflict, the Royal Canadian Air Force was instrumental in bombing runs, numbering over 131,000 airmen, using Halifax and Lancaster bombers to great effect, throughout various theatres during the war. Suffice to say, Canadians had a great impact on the Allied advance, and we can see the similarities of life back home, among the soldiers who took up arms as well as their families.
In their home countries, tens of thousands of soldiers left behind their families and in many cases, their girls. There are stories of hundreds of weddings performed in a single day, as soldiers and their sweethearts wanted to marry before their fateful deployment. However, there were plenty of men who remained at home, being considered unfit for duty for various reasons. In this case, it was essential that ladies had a way of removing unwanted advances before they began. Enter these beautiful compacts. They were sometimes engraved with wishes of love from their deployed beau, but regardless of their hidden messages of love, they showed very clearly that the girl gazing into that mirror was spoken-for by none other than a member of the bravest citizenry their country had the honour of calling their own. Of course, examples of precious metals and intricate enamel were desired and stunning, but not every soldier (or his love) could afford such extravagances. As such, simple yet elegant models made of brass and early plastics were a handsome alternative. During the 1930s, there was a great drive to produce cheap materials, all the more so when war became an eventuality. Although essential plastics included Nylon, used for parachutes and ropes, and Plexiglas, used for aircraft windows, other plastics like polystyrene and polyethylene were vital for insulation, coatings, and components in everything from vehicles to radar equipment. These plastics played a crucial role in the war effort and as substitutes for scarce natural resources and their move into consumer goods was extensive.

Our beautiful example is one of these more modest examples. It is brass and black plastic (possibly lacquer painted over a form and then transferred onto the brass case) and impeccably crafted. On the cover is a brass wing emblem of the Royal Allied Air Forces, but where one would normally find an enamel-painted 'RAF' print, we find the 'RCAF' logo of Canadian forces. Of course, sweethearts in Canada had the same goals as their English counterparts... On the inside of the case, there is a tray on which the square puff (in excellent condition) rests. When removed, it reveals a simple yet unmistakable stamp/engraving of the Royal emblem. Under this hinged tray, the original powder still remains, nestled in a perfectly crafted bed. On the reverse, the back sports a simple yet beautiful rounded-grid pattern. As a testament to the admirable construction of these pieces, it still works perfectly. From latch to puff, it is in simply wonderful condition. However, on the note of condition...
When I found this stunning piece, it was woefully uncared for. Although the interior was beautiful, the exterior had been sadly neglected. At one point in its extensive past, the wing emblem had fallen off. Although the lid itself is molded around these wings, the previous owner had used an appalling adhesive in an attempt to reattach it, apparently using an unwieldy paintbrush, resulting in not only the marring of the shiny surface with vast remnants of the vile glue leaking from beneath the wings, but it had actually eaten into the plastic on which the wings sat and the immediate surrounding area. As well, the plastic itself was not shiny... quite the opposite. There looked to be small chunks eaten out of it and surface scratches that dulled the finish completely. I could barely see remnants of the shine it once had. I could not simply allow this stunning and rare piece of history to appear so tatty. I spent no less than 4 neck-wrenching days cleaning and repairing this piece. I had to manually remove the glue, carefully remove the wings and obsessively shine the plastic to the best of my ability. I'm very happy to say, although it will never appear as it did 80 years ago, it is leaps and bounds better than it once was. I'm immensely proud to be able to offer this stunning piece of history for purchase.

As always, should you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to discuss my items or the past, from which this stunning piece hails.

Thank you for visiting C&K!