Max Factor Items On The Auction Block

The collection had been donated in 1992 to HEM by Max Factor & Co., then a subsidiary of P&G. Most of the items in the collection had been on display in the Max Factor Museum in Hollywood until its closure in July 1992 at which time only select items such as the iconic “Beauty Calibrator,” the only one known to be in existence, had been on display in HEM’s Museum. The device was said to measure the perfect face and then show makeup artists where to make improvements.

In addition to the Beauty Calibrator, other beauty items on the docket include the Kissing Machine—a device that tested the indelibility of lipstick with rubber lips pressed together under 10 pounds of force—a head measuring device and a variety of Original Make-Up created by Max Factor dating as far back as 1917.

Also on the block are autographed negatives and photographs from stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, still production photos, set negatives, test photos, wig making schedules and more from films such as “Gone with the Wind.”

According to a press release from Super Auctions, HEM had originally ceased the sale of the Max Factor items in March, prior to the initial auction, after months of reflection upon the rarity and importance of the collection; although they have agreed to once again make the collection available to the collectors who will continue to care for and treasure these unique and valuable items. This is being done only because the recession has required HEM to do so, according to Super Auctions.