The Andrew Jergens Company of Cincinnati, developed a Ben-Hur line of toiletries in 1904. Based on the title of a bestselling novel by Lew Wallace from 1880, a high grossing Broadway production from 1898, and later, a silent movie.
Ben Hur Perfume was very popular, inexpensive and made in the thousands, even soaps and a face powder were infused with the perfume and sold by Jergens.
Other products include: colognes, toilet waters, sachets, talcum powders, bath salts, bath oils, body lotions, cleansing creams, and personal deodorants.
The perfumes were housed in various bottles over the years.
If beauty had a scent of its own, it would be that of Ben Hur, the 1904 fragrance that brings to mind the unforgettable allure of a rose garden. With subtle top notes of ylang-ylang and base notes of tonka, this sweet musky scent is always captivating and never overpowering.
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.
Inexpensive and often found at five and dime stores like Woolworth, Ben Hur Perfume continued to be sold into the 1930s in the Sears & Montgomery Ward catalogs. In 1925, in connection with the silent movie by MGM, Ben Hur perfume was advertised by Carmel Myers, in the form of a blotter impregnated with the perfume, which slipped protectively inside of a waxed envelope. In one 1926 ad, Ramon Novarro, dressed as Judah, urges American females to try Ben-Hur perfume.
Discontinued, date unknown. Another company, Brocard et Cie, brought out their own Ben Hur perfume, launched in the early 1900s.
Ben Hur Perfume was very popular, inexpensive and made in the thousands, even soaps and a face powder were infused with the perfume and sold by Jergens.
Other products include: colognes, toilet waters, sachets, talcum powders, bath salts, bath oils, body lotions, cleansing creams, and personal deodorants.
The perfumes were housed in various bottles over the years.
Fragrance Composition:
If beauty had a scent of its own, it would be that of Ben Hur, the 1904 fragrance that brings to mind the unforgettable allure of a rose garden. With subtle top notes of ylang-ylang and base notes of tonka, this sweet musky scent is always captivating and never overpowering.
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.
- Top notes of ylang-ylang
- Heart notes of rose
- Base notes of tonka bean
Fate of the Fragrance:
Inexpensive and often found at five and dime stores like Woolworth, Ben Hur Perfume continued to be sold into the 1930s in the Sears & Montgomery Ward catalogs. In 1925, in connection with the silent movie by MGM, Ben Hur perfume was advertised by Carmel Myers, in the form of a blotter impregnated with the perfume, which slipped protectively inside of a waxed envelope. In one 1926 ad, Ramon Novarro, dressed as Judah, urges American females to try Ben-Hur perfume.
Discontinued, date unknown. Another company, Brocard et Cie, brought out their own Ben Hur perfume, launched in the early 1900s.
I found, and fell in love with, this perfume as a child. It's very hard to find and pricey. But I recently found a conditioner, at Walmart of all places, that smells a lot like it (Black Vanilla conditioner by the brand Carols Daughter... in the ethnic hair section).
ReplyDeleteI called the company back in 2002. Of course they don't make it anymore. It's a shame. I loved that perfume!! My last bottles was from the 5 and Dime I n Frankston tx in 1983.
ReplyDeleteI use to buy this perfume back in the late 1960's at a 5 and Dime called Coronets. I went away to college in 1973 and by the time I finished and returned to Southern CA the Coronet store was no more. I am not sure why I just thought about the perfume and googled it to find no current stockists. I guess I know why now, they don't make it anymore. I think it was less than $3.00 back in the 60's. Lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteBought it as a teen at Kress five and dime store can't remember the price, but I loved it. Why doesn't Jergans make it again? Millions would buy it I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteI bought it alsoat a five and dime store. My favorite it was in the 60's at a store called Kings. I would like it to come back l have looked for it for 60yrs.
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of my very first favourite childhood fragrance "Ben Hur" when I went to Dollarama today. I don't know what compelled me to smell a fragrance I saw on the shelf there (I never would normally), but I did - and it took me back over 50 years!!! It is called "Sand And Sable" cologne spray (.375 oz. for $4) It looks like it is made in USA for COTY inc. Maybe this will help some of you who want to experience a bit of your past lol!!!
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