Ave Maria by Prince Matchabelli c1929

"Ave Maria" by Prince Matchabelli is a classic fragrance that has stood the test of time since its launch in 1929. It's renowned for its romantic and elegant scent, often described as a beautiful prayer captured in perfume form. The dedication to Princess Norina Matchabelli adds a touch of royalty and romance to the fragrance's story, making it even more intriguing for perfume enthusiasts and collectors.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women. It was described as "For the worldly, a mystical, clinging perfume with the slow exaltation of incense, roses and lilies. " and  "Ave Maria (delicious and mystic)", also described as an "incense and flower" scent.

• Top notes: lilies, Calabrian bergamot, orange
• Middle notes: rose, lily of the valley, Persian lilac, jasmine, orange blossom
• Base notes: incense, Mysore sandalwood, Abyssinian ambergris, Tibetan musk, benzoin

"Ave Maria" by Prince Matchabelli is truly a masterpiece in the realm of floral oriental fragrances for women. Let's break down its scent profile based on the listed notes:

Top Notes: Lilies, Calabrian bergamot, and orange.

These top notes set the initial impression of the fragrance, likely offering a fresh and citrusy opening with the brightness of bergamot and orange complemented by the delicate sweetness of lilies.

Middle Notes: Rose, lily of the valley, Persian lilac, jasmine, and orange blossom.

The heart of the fragrance is where the floral bouquet truly blooms. With roses, lilies of the valley, lilac, jasmine, and orange blossom, it creates a rich and complex floral aroma, combining the sweetness of roses and jasmine with the fresh and green aspects of lilies and orange blossom.

Base Notes: Incense, Mysore sandalwood, Abyssinian ambergris, Tibetan musk, and benzoin.

The base notes add depth and warmth to the fragrance, with the inclusion of incense giving it a mystical and exotic touch. The creamy richness of Mysore sandalwood, the animalic depth of ambergris and musk, and the sweet resinous quality of benzoin likely provide a sensual and lingering finish to the scent.

Overall, "Ave Maria" is described as a fragrance that evokes a sense of mystique and elegance, with its combination of floral, citrus, and oriental notes creating a captivating and unforgettable olfactory experience.

c1929 ad

Bottles:

Ave Maria was housed in the familiar crown bottles used for other Matchabelli perfumes. Ave Maria could be found in three color schemes: black/gilded crown, periwinkle blue/gilded crown, clear/gilded, or frosted crown.

Bottles with glass stoppers come in various sizes:

• 2 oz bottle stands 3 1/8" tall
• 1 oz bottle stands 2.5" tall.
• 1/2 oz bottle stands 2.25" tall.
• 1/4 oz bottle stands 1.75" tall

The presentation of "Ave Maria" in these iconic crown bottles adds another layer of charm and sophistication to the fragrance. The various color options likely provided consumers with choices to suit their personal style and preferences. Each bottle, adorned with gilded accents, would have exuded a sense of luxury and regality, reflecting the elegance of the fragrance housed within. The choice of colors, from classic black to delicate periwinkle blue or frosted glass, might have also conveyed different moods or atmospheres associated with the scent, appealing to a diverse range of tastes and aesthetics. You can read more about these bottles and other Matchabelli perfumes on my blog: Prince Matchabelli PerfumesPrince Matchabelli Perfumes.

The exquisite crystal bottle shown below is perfectly in line with the luxurious presentation Prince Matchabelli was known for. The sloping shoulders and ground glass stopper featuring the "M and crown" logo certainly make it a standout piece. Here are the details of this beautiful bottle:

• Capacity: Holds 1.5 oz of perfume.
• Dimensions: The bottle stands 3.5 inches tall and is 3 inches long.
• Stopper: Features a ground glass stopper molded with the Matchabelli "M and crown" logo.
• Material: Clear crystal.
• Box Dimensions: The box measures 4 inches tall by 4 inches long.
• Origin: Marked "Made in France".
• Debut: Likely debuted in the early 1930s.

The fact that this bottle was used for "Damas" enhances its historical and aesthetic value, making it a prized item for collectors. I call it the "Damas" bottle. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the design reflect the elegance and prestige associated with the Matchabelli brand. Owning such a piece would not only be a delight for perfume enthusiasts but also a treasure for those who appreciate fine glasswork and vintage collectibles.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The discontinuation date of "Ave Maria" by Prince Matchabelli remains unspecified, but the last known advertisement in 1961 provides a clue to its presence in the market during that time. This detail adds to the fragrance's mystique and historical allure. Here's a summary:

• Launch Date: 1929
• Bottle: Various crown-shaped bottles and a the Damas crystal flacon, debuted in the early 1930s.
• Discontinuation: Date unknown, last advertised in 1961.

This timeline emphasizes the perfume's significant presence through the decades, maintaining its charm and desirability among collectors and vintage perfume enthusiasts. The rarity of "Ave Maria" and its association with the luxurious presentation and iconic packaging make it a valuable and nostalgic piece of fragrance history.