SHAPE-SHIFTING COMPACT INSPIRED BY DALI DESIGN

MADE from brass and 14k gold, this is the holy grail of make-up compacts.

Based on a design by the Surrealist artist Salvador Dali, it is called Bird In Hand. The lipstick comes out of the bird’s head, while its wings spread to reveal powder. Women were unashamed to apply make-up publicly by the Fifties — showing off a gorgeous compact was akin to flashing an expensive handbag today.

I was thrilled to find this unused, impeccable gold version, still in the box, on a U.S. auction site. PAID: £1,500

WORTH: £5,500-plus