The famous surrealist painter, sculptor, and illustrator created this piece in 1950 for Elgin American. The piece is 4.5" long by 2.5" wide by 1.25" thick. The piece was manufactured in three different finishes - satin bronze, silver, and sterling silver each with 14K gold overlay effect on the wings. This is the silver finish version with the 14K overlay. The compact contains a powder compartment, a pill box and a lipstick. The head of the bird forms the handle for the lipstick tube and pulls out. While the brass tube still rotates it does not have any contents. The top back edge of the bird's head carries the name "Dali." The body of the bird contains the powder box which is revealed by pressing a tab at the tail causing one side of the compact to flip open revealing a mirror on the interior and a metal covered compartment bearing the company's name plus a small button to open the lid over the powder compartment. No powder is present but there is a circular applicator that is likely original. The tail of the bird contains the pill box and is accessed by sliding a tab to open the cover. The compact comes with its original turquoise colored fabric drawstring carrying case although this has some even light discoloration from use. On the bird's head mostly on the rear side edges and the portion beneath the beak there are many pinpoint black dots scattered amongst the silver luster finish. The rest of the silver finish on the piece shows very little wear although a little bit off the side edges of the plate that opens to access the powder compartment. Vast majority of the piece has bright silver and gold finish. The item comes with a color copy of the advertisement for the compact which appeared in Vogue, 1951. A rare and highly desirable compact.