Lorenz' Lady Claire Face Powder Sample and Corresponding Advertising Materials

Published by Lorenz & Co, Toledo, OH, 1890

About this Item

A small collection of four (4) pieces of materials relating to Lorenz & Co. a perfumatory and maker of cosmetic products in Toledo, OH. The first item in the collection is a small envelope housing a product sample of Lady Claire Face Powder, which was sold in "pure white and flesh color. [it was] entirely harmless and elegantly perfumed of such delicate fineness that its use cannot be detected by the closet observer, removing freckles, redness, scurf and tan, and imparting to the complexion that fresh beauty and natural mellowness so much desired by ladies of taste." (sample is sealed in envelope, and appears to have never been opened, small amount of did escape, so this is the 'white' powder) Measures 3" x 2". The next item is a perfume card that at had been sprayed with "Lorenz New Perfume, Lady Claire". On the front is a black and white illustration of a portrait of a lady in fashionable dress with a floral border. Measures 3 1/2" x 3". The third item is a single fold advertisement for a variety of products produced and sold by Lorenz & Co. It is printed on pink paper and some of the items advertised are: Lady Claire Face Powder, Almond Cream, Ray's Perfect Invisible Face Powder, and White Rose Cologne. Measures 10 1/2" x 6 3/4" (folded), 13 1/2" x 10 1/2" (unfolded). The last item is the envelope the items were sent in, which was mailed to Jessie Snodgvase. Measures 4 1/4 x 3 1/4". Collection dated via the stamp, 1 cent featuring Benjamin Franklin, (most likely SC #212), that was designed in 1887-1889 and was in circulation until 1890 when it was redesigned. Lorenz Brothers was started in 1864 in Toledo, OH by three brothers Philip (1841-?), Charles (1842-1898) and George (1845-1916) Lorenz. Their perfumatory business was successful for a time and they even won a bronze medal in the 1878 Paris Exposition. Around 1887 the partnership between the brothers ended for an unknown reason. Charles appears to have left the business all together, while the other two brothers opened their own separate businesses. George Lorenz formed the company called George Lorenz Co. and made what would become a successful line of products under the name 'Luxury'. Philip formed his own company called Lorenz & Co, and started his line know as 'Lady Claire' (Note: The materials in the collection are from this company, and often is named as the "successors to Lorenz Bros." in the text). It is unclear how successful these two business ventures were, however George Lorenz's name was licensed and sold prior to his death in 1916, and therefore continued to be used in conjunction with perfumes and other cosmetics well after his death. Minor water damage, with two of the items having pink stains due to the pink ink used on the Face powder envelope. Crease folds on single fold advertisement page, along with small section missing on one side.

Seller Inventory # 21000903

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lorenz' Lady Claire Face Powder Sample and Corresponding Advertising Materials
• Publisher: Lorenz & Co, Toledo, OH
• Publication Date: 1890
• Seller catalogs:
  • Ephemera
  • Cultural History