Images(3)

Compact

Object number2016.154.5 a-c

Datec. 1942

OriginUSA

MediumMetal; Enamel; Fabric; Powder (makeup); Plastic; Photographic paper

Credit LineGift of Tina Calabro

DescriptionSquare gold metal makeup compact with pink powder puff. Top of lid has blue enamel perimeter with inset gold octagon containing white, blue, red, and gold enamel decoration of the Great Seal of the United States with gold text above identifying military branch.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a - Closed): 2.688 × 2.625 × 0.5 in. (6.8 × 6.7 × 1.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a - Open with mirror closed): 5.25 × 2.625 × 0.75 in. (13.3 × 6.7 × 1.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a - Open with mirror extended): 5.25 × 4.625 × 0.563 in. (13.3 × 11.7 × 1.4 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 2.563 × 2.563 × 0.313 in. (6.5 × 6.5 × 0.8 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 2.5 × 2.5 × 0.125 in. (6.4 × 6.4 × 0.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Top of lid has gold text "U.S. ARMY".
Marks(a)
Underside has engraved text at back center (below hinge) "MADE IN USA".
Historical NotesThis U.S. Army compact was sent to Josephine Matullo by her future husband Bruno Calabro. In 1942, Bruno was drafted to serve in the military; he attended basic training at Camp Phillips, where he acquired a sweetheart banner with a love poem that he sent to Josephine. They corresponded throughout his time abroad (spent mainly in Czechoslovakia), and when he returned in December of 1945, he proposed marriage to Josephine. They married in the Italian Catholic church, Immaculate Conception, in Washington, Pa., on February 21, 1946. Josephine and Bruno were born and raised in Washington, Pa., by Italian immigrant parents. Though Bruno went to public school at Trinity High School and Josephine went to Catholic school at Immaculate Conception, they were members of the same tight-knit Italian enclave and were childhood sweethearts.

Previous owner Josephine Calabro

Related person Bruno Calabro

Related institution United States Army

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