Research using the “Fiebert Freres” name embossed on the subject bottle did not reveal anything relevant to its origin or history. That being said, recognizing that “freres” is the French word for “brothers,” I gave “Fiebert Brothers,” a shot and came up with a New York City based business that operated during the early 1900’s. Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Fiebert Brothers sold barber supplies, hair tonics and perfumes.
One of Fiebert Brothers’ early products was a hair tonic called EAU DE MONDE, a name the company trade-marked in October, 1906, as evidenced by this item that appeared in the November 26th edition of “The Trademark Record.”
Later, in 1912, the company registered another trademark for a hair tonic. This one featured the portrait of a woman with flowing hair who was described as “fanciful.”
Marketing a product called “Eau De Monde” and others that were promoted with the image of a “fanciful” woman, its not a big leap to think the Fiebert’s were targeting a wealthy audience; one that around the turn of the century had a preference for French toiletries and perfumes. Any way you look at it, the name “Fiebert Freres” embossed on a bottle of “Eau De Monde” projected a more sophisticated image than “Fiebert Brothers” did.
So, on that premise I went ahead and researched Fiebert Brothers and here’s what I found.
The roots of the business date back to 1889 when, according to U. S. Census records, Louis R. Fiebert, an Austrian immigrant who spoke Yiddish (not French) arrived in the United States. Throughout the 1890’s and up through 1903 he was listed in the New York City directories with the occupation “barber” at 144 Norfolk Street.
In 1904, Fiebert apparently partnered with Adolph (sometimes Adolf) Fiebert and established Fiebert Brothers. That year the company was listed in the NYC directory for the first time with an address on Madison Street and the occupation “perfumery.” In 1906 Fiebert Brothers moved to 106 Rivington Street, now listing their occupation as “barbers supplies.”
Two years later the Fiebert’s dissolved their partnership and went their separate ways. It’s possible that the dissolution of the business was the result of Louis Fiebert declaring bankruptcy in February, 1909. The announcement appeared under the heading: “Trade Items” in the February 1st edition of the “Soap Gazette and Perfumer”
Louis R. Fiebert, of 140 Essex Street, New York, buyer and seller of perfumeries, has filed a petition in bankruptcy, with liabilities $11,200 and no assets.
Adolph Fiebert went on to establish another company nearby at 152 Rivington Street where he remained in business through the mid-teens.
Meanwhile, less than four months after being declared bankrupt, Louis Fiebert’s name appeared on a September 16th “New York Times” list of bankrupts that had been discharged suggesting that his financial problems were short-lived. Apparently able to retain the business, in 1910 Louis was listed as the sole proprietor of Fiebert Brothers, now located in the adjacent building at 100 Rivington Street. That year, census records indicate the business was a family affair with both his wife, Clara, and son, Hugo, involved as well.
The company remained at 100 Rivington Street up through 1917 during which time, according to a February 16, 1914 item found in the “Passaic (N.J.) Daily News” they also established a sales agency across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
Michael J. Colca, of this borough (Carlstadt N. J.) has taken the agency for the Fiebert Brothers celebrated perfumes and tonics and anticipates building a good business.
Fiebert Brothers moved to 40 Great Jones Street in 1917. “White Orr’s Reference Register” listed the company there as late as 1920.
Louis R. Fiebert passed away in June, 1923; his obituary appearing in the June 24th edition of the “Brooklyn Daily Eagle.”
According to “streeteasy.com the building currently located at 100 Rivington Street was constructed in 1900 so it’s the same building that housed the business from approximately 1910 to 1917. Today it’s a rental building with 24 units. The commercial space at street level likely housed the business.
The adjacent building at 106 Rivington Street was also constructed in 1900 so its the building the business occupied from roughly 1906 to 1909. There are several steps down to what was likely the Fiebert business.
Coincidently, the building Fiebert Brothers moved to in 1917 at 40 Great Jones Street was also built in 1900 and remains to this day. According to street easy.com, it’s a 7-story, 7-unit co-op building. Like the others, the commercial space at street level likely housed the business.
The bottle I found is 7 inches tall and contains roughly 6 ounces. Blown in a mold it likely dates to the first 10 years or so of the business. Its shape certainly speaks to a hair tonic or something similar, maybe EAU DE MONDE?