I found these little vintage inspired compact mirrors with pin-up images at a Bargain Land Discount store. They are made by DonnaMaxx Inc., which is a company in Brooklyn. I was surprised to find them there. These are the type of item I thought one would usually see in a place like a Rockabilly shop. Anyway there they were looking quite adorable in their 1940’s style glamour. I snagged a few to give as gifts to friends or family. I tried to find out where they might be available on a website however I did not have any luck in hearing back from DonnaMaxx Inc.

Around the 1890’s it became common for actresses and burlesque dancers to have a business card. These were usually produced with an image to help promote their work. (1) These were often pinned up on a wall.

During the 1940’s demand for pinup art work increased. Calendars of pin-ups became popular and the term “pin-up” became common. Being surrounded by male comrades and war the soldiers treasured the distraction that the cheerful, playful pictures brought to their lives. Often images were painted on the noses of various planes in the Army Air Corps. This became known as “nose art.” I have inserted an example by Freeman Elliott called “Hit the Deck.” These images were considered good luck and the pin-up ladies themselves were considered patriotic.

(1)Maria Elena Buszek (2006). Pin-up grrrls: feminism, sexuality, popular culture. (pg.43)

(2)Military.spot.com ( http://www.militaryspot.com/community/military_pin_ups_-_history/)

All material written taken by: © Marilyn Lavender, 2014.  “All Rights Reserved.”

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