Hi again - having just joined, I'm learning as I go along! ;-) It doesn't look like I can go back and edit my first post, so I'll re-summarise here, as there was a version in the list below that I missed first time around! The versions of the 'Gala', from earliest (c.1935) to latest (probably up to 1938), were as follows:
1. plain square powder lid and uncovered circular rouge
2. plain square powder lid and plain circular rouge lid
3. double plain square lids
4. double engine-turned square lids
5. double engine-turned square lids, plus knotted tubular mesh handle
There was also a different early style with a belted flip-up clasp, but I haven't yet analysed those examples to determine if they strictly match one of the above internal arrangements (i.e. versions 1-3).
Most 'Gala' cases were constructed of goldtone base metal, some were in chrome. They were produced in a wide variety of decorations, mostly enamel, but also with marcasites, rhinestones, faux jade and coral, embroidery, and even real shagreen. There were also Japanese copies, which are unmarked, and usually detectable by their slightly inferior metalwork. To make matters slightly confusing, the Gebrüder Schmidt factory in Germany, which made the cases exclusively for LSM, resumed manufacture of some of the most popular styles after WW2, when the UK design protection had lapsed. Although the UK Registered Design for the 'Gala' expired in 1940 and wasn't renewed, I don't believe that the 'Gala' was one of these reproduced designs.
The way to recognise early German LSM items, including jewellery, is to look for the LS Mayer 'M' logo inside a triangle (never an M on its own). After the company entered into an arrangement with the Gebrüder Schmidt factory in the late 1920s / early 1930s, a combined LSM / GS logo started to appear (this is what is marked on all of the 'Gala' cases, and on
@GemGem 's). Some early compacts, however, are only marked with the abbreviation 'GES. GESCH.', meaning protected. Later, the word 'FOREIGN' is often also marked, either stamped or ink printed, and on some German LSM compacts and cases, this is all that appears. In this instance, the only method of identification is case construction and decoration!
In addition to the above markings, one or more of the following may be stamped on German LSM compacts, vanity cases and cigarette cases:
- 'DRGM' or 'D.R.G.M.' (meaning German utility patent), with or without accompanying number
- 'PROV. PAT.', 'PAT. APPL.', or 'PAT. PENDING' (meaning GB or US patent application, the earliest known production date)
- 'REGD.', 'REGD. DES.', or 'REGD. Nr.' (meaning GB Registered Design number, protecting the design from being copied)
- 'PATENT Nr.', 'PAT. No.', 'PAT.', or 'Pat.' (final GB Patent number, which could sometimes be granted over a year after the application)
That's everything I can think of at the moment (LSM English and Scottish compacts and handbags though, are a whole other story!) I'll also add this information to my LSM FB page. I'm currently working on a update of my German identification guide, hopefully it will be out later this year
Lisa
