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Max Factor’s 1932 so-called beauty calibrator looks like a prop from a Universal Studios monster movie. The only one in existence today, the device has an $85,000-$100,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.

Super Auctions to roll out the red carpet for Max Factor sale Aug. 28

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

Max Factor’s 1932 so-called beauty calibrator looks like a prop from a Universal Studios monster movie. The only one in existence today, the device has an $85,000-$100,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.
Max Factor’s 1932 so-called beauty calibrator looks like a prop from a Universal Studios monster movie. The only one in existence today, the device has an $85,000-$100,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Super Auctions, on behalf of Hollywood Entertainment Museum, will present the Max Factor Salon Collection on Saturday, Aug. 28. The auction will consist of 175 lots related to the name synonymous with Hollywood makeup. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live biding.

The auction catalog states, “During Hollywood’s golden age, 97 percent of all film personalities wore Max Factor makeup and wigs.”

In 1908 Russian immigrant Max Faktor moved to California to supply cosmetics and hairpieces to the motion picture industry. In 1914 he convinced silent film comedians Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Fattie Arbuckle to try his brand of greasepaint. From this point Max Factor’s career took off.

A one-of-a-kind piece in the auction is a “Beauty Calibrator” designed by Factor in 1932. Super Actions’ catalog explains that “it combined scientific analysis, phrenology and cosmetics for this face measuring device, which revealed that the ‘perfect face’ was a myth and enabled Hollywood make-up artists to quickly pinpoint facial corrections that had to be made on some of the screen’s legendary beauties.” The rare device, which covers the subject’s face and head, is expected to sell for $85,000-$100,000.

The auction will include vintage advertising and images of many of Hollywood’s most famous leading ladies.

The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific. For details call 714-535-7000.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Before Americans loved Lucy’s TV series, Lucille Ball was a Hollywood starlet in the 1940s. This 8-inch by 10-inch negative pictures Miss Ball in an advertisement for Max Factor makeup. It has a $75-$250 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.
Before Americans loved Lucy’s TV series, Lucille Ball was a Hollywood starlet in the 1940s. This 8-inch by 10-inch negative pictures Miss Ball in an advertisement for Max Factor makeup. It has a $75-$250 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.

Hollywood legend Joan Crawford inscribed this 8-inch by 10-inch negative, "To Max Factor a Great Artist." The image has a $250-$700 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.
Hollywood legend Joan Crawford inscribed this 8-inch by 10-inch negative, "To Max Factor a Great Artist." The image has a $250-$700 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.

Max Factor, famous for developing makeup for the movie industry, is pictured in an original self-portrait. The 23-inch by 33-inch framed portrait has a $1,500-$3,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.
Max Factor, famous for developing makeup for the movie industry, is pictured in an original self-portrait. The 23-inch by 33-inch framed portrait has a $1,500-$3,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.

Another bizarre device from the Max Factor Collection is this "Kissing Machine," which was also used for Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Greatest Hits album cover in 2003. With noted damage, the Kissing Machine has a $25,000-$55,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.
Another bizarre device from the Max Factor Collection is this "Kissing Machine," which was also used for Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Greatest Hits album cover in 2003. With noted damage, the Kissing Machine has a $25,000-$55,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Super Auctions.