Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is an original late 19th-century paper advertisement for 'Mandarin Orange Bloom' perfume, produced by the historic Doussan French Perfumery in New Orleans. The ad features striking, hand-drawn Victorian typography and woodcut-style graphics, mounted on a decorative patterned backing card. It captures the romanticized marketing of Southern botanicals during the Gilded Age.
Story
In the 1890s, New Orleans' French Quarter was a sensory hub where perfumers like J.R. Doussan blended local citrus with French techniques. This ad sold 'Mandarin Orange Bloom' as a bottled piece of the romanticized American South.
Maker / Origin
The Doussan French Perfumery Co. was established by Jean-Richard Doussan, a prominent figure in New Orleans' historic French Quarter. Located at 46 Chartres Street, the shop capitalized on the city's deep French heritage and access to exotic Caribbean and local Gulf botanicals, making it a celebrated regional brand of the late 19th century.
Condition & Value
The paper advertisement shows some light creasing, minor age-toning, and a small tear on the right edge, which is consistent with its age. It has been mounted onto a modern pink patterned backing card using photo corners, preserving the original paper from adhesive damage. This preservation method keeps the value stable.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.