An original early twentieth-century lithographed advertising sign for Murray & Lanman’s Florida Water, prominently featuring the slogan “The Universal Perfume.” Intended for display in pharmacies, druggists, and general mercantile establishments, it exemplifies the refined commercial art of the golden age of American advertising.

Introduced in New York City in 1808 by perfumer Robert I. Murray, Florida Water ranks among America’s oldest continuously marketed fragrances. Following David T. Lanman’s entry into the firm in 1835, the business became Murray & Lanman and later reorganized as Lanman & Kemp in 1861. The name “Florida Water” was adopted as a marketing reference to the romanticized legend of Juan Ponce de León’s search for the Fountain of Youth, evoking freshness, rejuvenation, and exoticism rather than the product’s place of origin. Inspired by the classic European eau de Cologne, Florida Water achieved worldwide popularity and remains in production today under its original trademark. We were unable to locate another example of this advertising design during the course of our research.

Dimensions: 26.75 x 13 in.; framed 30.75 x 17 in.

Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $150 plus 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).

Not examined outside of the frame. Examination under ultraviolet light revealed no indication of restoration. Approximately nine light creases are visible under close examination, together with a liquid stain in the lower left quadrant extending into the figure’s gown. Despite these imperfections, the sign displays exceptionally well with strong color and visual appeal.