Up for auction/sale is an incredibly rare piece of New York retail and grooming history: an authentic shaker jar of "Best Quality Powdered Florentine Orris Root." This item was produced and packed directly in the in-house laboratories of the legendary, upscale Gilded Age department store, Frederick Loeser & Co., located on Fulton Street in Brooklyn.

Historical Context & Substance:

Orris root is the dried rhizome of the iris flower (*Iris florentina*). Historically, it was highly prized for its unique scent, which closely develops to resemble violets, and its superb qualities as a perfume fixative. Packed by a fabled New York department store that closed its doors in 1952, this jar is a spectacular survivor of early 20th-century vanity history.

Condition & Collector Notes:

The Glass: Clear, thick antique glass with faint mold lines, standing approximately 5 inches tall. No cracks or chips.

The Label: Beautifully aged paper label with authentic water-ring staining that oozes antique charm. The text remains fully crisp and readable.

The Price Stamp: Features the original, serrated-edge product stamp on the lower reverse, hand-marked "25" (cents).

The Cap: Original zinc/metal perforated shaker lid with a deep, natural oxidized patina.

The Contents: It remains mostly filled with the original, antique powdered root.

*Please note: This item is being sold strictly as a historical, antique display piece for collectors. The contents are not intended for modern cosmetic or medical use.*

Ships carefully packed and fully insured to protect the fragile glass and historical contents. Don't miss this rare piece of old Brooklyn history!

Please review all pictures before bidding!

Description and condition generated by AI