Parfumerie de Raymond Mimzy Eau de Toilette 2.7 oz Splash CHIPPED Vintage 1940s
A wonderfully rare survivor from the golden age of French perfumery, this large, heavy vintage bottle of Mimzy by Parfumerie de Raymond combines an exceptionally scarce fragrance with a striking architectural presentation. The heavy stepped-glass bottle, warm amber-colored fragrance, white cap, and surviving gold-tone foil label create a beautiful period display. Introduced circa 1930 and documented in American publications by 1931, Mimzy has largely disappeared from the vintage fragrance market, making surviving large-format bottles especially interesting to collectors.
Available for immediate purchase is this lovely, early 1940s vintage, long discontinued, original and authentic, made in France, Mimzy Eau de Toilette splash in a generous 2.7-ounce (80cc) size by Parfumerie de Raymond. All photos were taken at high magnification to best illustrate overall condition. The buyer will receive the exact item pictured. Dating This Bottle
This bottle is believed to date to the early 1940s (circa 1939 to 1945). Its heavy molded stepped-glass construction, white cap, gold-tone foil label, typography, and overall presentation are consistent with period production. The bottle itself is molded “PARFUMERIE DE RAYMOND PARIS,” providing additional identification with the original French perfume house.
Importantly, Mimzy was not introduced in 1925, as sometimes reported. Available period evidence places the fragrance's introduction at approximately 1930, and Mimzy was unquestionably on the market by 1931. Contemporary issues of The New Yorker from May and December 1931 specifically mention Mimzy by Raymond, providing firm evidence that the fragrance was established by that year. Why This Item Stands Out
The bottle itself is particularly impressive. Rather than using a conventional rectangular form, Raymond housed Mimzy in exceptionally heavy clear glass molded into a series of projecting horizontal tiers. The resulting geometric silhouette has a distinctly late Art Deco character and dramatically refracts the amber-colored fragrance within.
At 80cc / approximately 2.7 U.S. fl. oz., this is also a substantial size for a surviving fragrance of this age. Combined with the original cap, surviving foil label, molded Parfumerie de Raymond identification, and remaining vintage fragrance, it is an unusually decorative bottle from a French perfume house seldom encountered today. Condition
This heavy stacked-glass bottle is in very good vintage condition overall but does have an approximately 1/2-inch chip on the lower left front corner, just as the final ridge tapers toward the base. Please see the photographs for the location and appearance of this damage. The chip is cosmetic and does not appear to compromise the structural integrity of the bottle.
The gold-tone paper foil label remains intact but exhibits expected age-related wear. The white cap is present, and the fragile white lettering on the glass remains exceptionally well preserved. The bottle retains its beautiful amber-colored vintage fragrance. Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description. The lower pricing already takes this cosmetic flaw into consideration. Collector's Notes
Parfumerie de Raymond is now a comparatively obscure name, particularly when compared with surviving French houses such as Guerlain, Caron, or Molinard. That obscurity is part of this bottle's appeal. It represents a fragrance that was being promoted to fashionable American consumers more than 95 years ago but has since almost completely disappeared from the commercial perfume landscape.
The combination of an unusual Raymond bottle design, large 80cc size, original French manufacture, surviving labeling and fragrance makes this an appealing acquisition for a collector of antique perfume bottles, Art Deco-era cosmetics, or forgotten French perfume houses. Fragrance History
Circa 1930: Mimzy was introduced by Parfumerie de Raymond of Paris. A museum collection dates a surviving Mimzy presentation to 1930, while historical perfume references similarly place its introduction around this period. 1931: Mimzy was demonstrably on the American market. The New Yorker discussed “Mimzy, by Raymond” in May 1931 and again included the fragrance in its December 1931 holiday coverage. 1930s: Mimzy continued to be sold as one of Raymond's floral fragrances during the prewar period. Early 1940s: This particular 80cc bottle is believed to date from this period based upon its packaging and presentation. Later 20th Century: Mimzy was discontinued and eventually disappeared from commercial production. Today: Mimzy is an obscure collectible fragrance, with surviving original Parfumerie de Raymond bottles encountered infrequently. Fragrance Notes
Mimzy is a classic floral bouquet. Historical descriptions associate the fragrance with apple blossom, lilac, hyacinth, and Pinx, with the latter described as contributing a sweet carnation-like floral character. A contemporary 1931 description characterized Mimzy as particularly lilac-like, supporting the prominent role of lilac in the composition.
