While Marathon tended to use its own employees to design its containers an exception was made in 1938 when a patent, filed by a man named Andrew Shields, was assigned to the company. Shields’ last design for a vanity case incorporated a novel means of opening the case by simply pressing on one side. The Marathon Company marketed this compact as their ‘Klix’ compact and this was offered for sale as late as 1940 and probably up to 1942 when metals like brass were prohibited from being used to manufacture cosmetics containers due to America’s entry into World War II.

KLIX by Marathon “The MODERN Compact and Cigarette Case opens with a gentle side squeeze on the bottom of the case”. No maker marks to the actual compact, but ribbon on powder pad is inscribed “MARATHON”.

Compact measures approximately 2.75 inches long by 2.75 inches wide, and has a depth of approximately 0.5 inch.

In excellent condition for its age. Opens and closes properly and securely, and has no major signs of wear. There is only some powder on the pad, and minor surface level scratches to the outside of the compact. This has been very well taken care of over the years, and still comes with its original box. Please see all photos.