Up for auction is a rare, highly collectible piece of early 20th-century cosmetics history. This is an original, antique Onglissa Rubin-Pulver (Ruby Powder) nail care box manufactured by the renowned German firm F. Wolff & Sohn based in Karlsruhe. Dating to approximately 1910–1920, this powder was used in the era before modern liquid nail varnish to buff and polish fingernails to a high, natural shine.

Features & Details

Brand & Markings: The top lid is beautifully printed with Art Nouveau typography displaying "Onglissa Rubin-Pulver" alongside the manufacturer mark "F. Wolff & Sohn, Karlsruhe". The outer edge features an elegant monogram graphic.

Retailer Provenance: The bottom of the box features an authentic vintage sticker from the retailer where it was originally purchased: "Lloyd-Drogerie, W. Rahe, Bremerhaven" with a handwritten price/stock notation ("81").

Contents: The box retains a significant amount of its original pink-tinted fine "Rubin-Pulver" (ruby powder), wrapped in its original protective inner paper.

Please note: This product is sold purely as an antiquity and museum-style display piece; it is not intended for cosmetic use.

Condition Report

The paperboard box is structurally intact with some expected edge wear, light staining, and a minor paper tear on the inside seals, consistent with its ~110-year age.

Graphics and text remain exceptionally crisp, highly readable, and display beautifully.

Please review the high-resolution photographs carefully to evaluate the exact cosmetic condition, especially before bidding!

Description and condition generated by AI