Cobra by Weil c1941

"Cobra," launched by Parfums Weil in 1941, emerged during a unique period defined by wartime challenges and shifting cultural dynamics. The early 1940s were marked by global conflict, where nations were deeply engaged in World War II, influencing every aspect of life, including fashion and perfumery. Amidst these turbulent times, perfumes often sought to evoke strength, allure, and a sense of resilience.

Parfums Weil likely chose the name "Cobra" for its perfume to tap into these themes of power, mystique, and exoticism. The cobra itself is a symbol of danger and intrigue, often associated with the mysterious allure of distant lands and ancient civilizations. In perfume marketing, such associations can be compelling, promising wearers an experience that transcends the ordinary, transporting them to a realm of adventure and sophistication.

While Weil was primarily known for its fur creations, particularly chinchilla and other luxurious furs, there is no specific historical evidence suggesting they offered snakeskin accessories. However, the choice of "Cobra" as a perfume name aligns with the era's fascination with exotic motifs and the desire to embody a sense of daring and allure in fashion and beauty products.

For potential consumers of "Cobra," the name would evoke images of strength, elegance, and danger. Those drawn to this perfume might be individuals seeking to make a bold statement, embracing a fragrance that promises to captivate and command attention. The scent itself would likely reflect these attributes, with a composition designed to be alluring, perhaps with spicy, floral, or woody notes that enhance its mysterious appeal.

In essence, "Cobra" by Weil encapsulates the spirit of its time, offering wearers a chance to embrace a perfume that embodies the exotic allure of the cobra while resonating with the bold and adventurous spirit of the early 1940s.

A Most Seductive Scent:

Throughout the 1940s, Cobra by Weil captivated the imagination with its enigmatic and alluring persona, becoming a symbol of allure and sophistication in the world of perfumery. Launched in 1941, Cobra quickly gained a reputation for its provocative and seductive nature, earning praise as a perfume that embodied mystery and charm. Advertisements from the era painted vivid pictures of Cobra’s essence, describing it as a perfume that strikes without warning and leaves a lasting impression on all who encounter its hypnotic fragrance. This haunting perfume, crafted with mastery, quickly gained popularity for its unique allure and distinctive character. It marked a new addition to Weil's lineup that year, promising a fragrance that resonated deeply with those seeking something intriguing and sophisticated.

By 1943, advertisements continued to praise Cobra for its phenomenal nature. Described as sharp and exceptionally dry, the perfume was portrayed as almost unbelievably real in its impact. Women who wore Cobra were depicted as standing out in solitary beauty, their allure enhanced by the perfume's enigmatic charm. This characterization highlighted Cobra's ability to capture attention and evoke a sense of mystique, solidifying its reputation as a daring and sophisticated choice in perfumery during that era. Other advertisements touted Cobra as an unparalleled choice for those seeking individuality and distinction in their perfume selection. Vogue magazine dubbed it a "safe gift" due to its popularity and unique allure. The fragrance Cassandra, described as exquisitely feminine with haunting overtones, and Zibeline, evoking the luxurious aura of furs like Silver Fox and Platinum Mink, were also highlighted alongside Cobra, emphasizing Weil’s commitment to crafting perfumes that resonated with elegance and sophistication.

By 1944, Cobra had established itself as a staple for the glamorous and daring woman, described as "deep and diabolic" in its allure. It was marketed as a fragrance that enhanced the allure of the wearer, embodying qualities of enchantment and mystery that appealed to the modern femme fatale. This theme continued into 1945, where Cobra was characterized as hypnotic and intended for the enchantress, particularly suited for adorning fur scarves and enhancing the allure of luxurious garments.

In subsequent years, Cobra’s image evolved to embody the dark, exotic personality of the wearer, celebrating qualities of subtlety, wisdom, and flawless timing. Advertisements in 1946 portrayed Cobra as belonging to a woman who understood her strength and wielded it with finesse, standing out uniquely and captivatingly in her beauty. Its fragrance was likened to tribal drums, evoking a sense of enchantment and magic that surrounded the wearer.

By 1948, Cobra remained a delightful and elusive fragrance, continuing to weave its spell of mystery and allure. Its appeal persisted through the decade, capturing the essence of a time marked by intrigue and sophistication, making Cobra by Weil a timeless icon of perfumery that continues to evoke images of glamour and allure even today.

In 1950, Weil's Cobra perfume continued to be highly esteemed and sought after, known for its exotic and captivating fragrance profile. Crafted from imported French essential oils, Cobra maintained its reputation for using high-quality ingredients that contributed to its unique and alluring scent. This endorsement highlighted Cobra as a beloved choice among perfume enthusiasts, emphasizing its enduring popularity and appeal within the fragrance industry during that period.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like?  It is classified as a floral oriental perfume for women. It was described as "sharp, dry, unbelievably unreal...evoking the supreme compliment of other women's envy "

There are no official notes listed anywhere for Cobra, so I have tested the perfume from a sealed stockinette covered glass ampule from the Evettes sample vials set from 1948-1949. I tested this both on my wrist and on a piece of paper. The perfume is very spicy, sweet and extremely sexy. How they got away with this hot number in the late 1940's is beyond belief.

• Top notes: aldehydes, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper
• Middle notes: jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang, tuberose, carnation, narcissus, Nepalese rose
• Base notes: labdanum, myrrh, musk, benzoin, frankincense, tolu balsam, Peru balsam, Mysore sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, ambergris, castoreum, civet

It starts out with sharp notes of soapy aldehydes and rich pungent spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Then a floral heart steps in bringing us the sweetness of jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang, tuberose, carnation, and narcissus with a hint of roses. The perfume dries down with a pleasant root beer note, probably from the benzoin, followed by the incense, balsam, sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, animalic notes of ambergris and castoreum.

Scent Story:

In the bustling heart of New York City, at Weil's prestigious Fur Salon in 1941, anticipation buzzed through the air like the notes of a symphony awaiting its crescendo. The grand department, reserved for the unveiling of Parfums Weil's latest creation, "Cobra," was transformed into a sensory oasis. Fresh roses, narcissus, and carnations adorned every corner, their delicate fragrances mingling with the luxurious ambiance of chinchilla, sable, mink, ermine stoles, muffs, hats, and coats displayed by elegant models. Among them, other models glided in with the sleek allure of snakeskin belts, shoes, and handbags, adding a touch of exoticism to the scene.

Amidst this opulent display, the president of Parfums Weil, a vision of sophistication, addressed the gathered guests with grace and confidence. She described "Cobra" as not just a perfume, but an elixir designed to complement the sultriest cocktail attire, promising to evoke feelings of voluptuous allure with just a few drops. As she spoke, the fragrance of fresh blooms intertwined with the exotic ingredients of "Cobra," enhancing the allure of the experience.

Visually, the room was a tapestry of luxury—soft furs and supple skins gleaming under the soft lights, contrasting with the vibrant hues of the floral arrangements. The models exuded a quiet confidence, their movements and attire perfectly complementing the theme of allure and sophistication that "Cobra" embodied.

The air was filled with the heady aroma of jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang, tuberose, carnation, narcissus, and Nepalese rose, mingling with the spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper that hinted at the fragrance's bold character. Each ingredient spoke of distant lands and meticulous craftsmanship, underscoring the exclusivity and allure of "Cobra."

The president spoke of the painstaking process of sourcing these rare and costly raw materials from around the world, emphasizing their role in creating a perfume that embodied both opulence and sensuality. The base notes of labdanum, myrrh, musk, benzoin, frankincense, tolu balsam, Peru balsam, Mysore sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, ambergris, castoreum, and civet provided a rich foundation, lingering in the air like a promise of lingering allure and sophistication.

Attendees could almost taste the richness of these ingredients, evoked through the story woven by the president's words and the essence of "Cobra" itself. The atmosphere hummed with the soft murmur of admiration and intrigue, punctuated by the occasional rustle of luxurious fabrics and the subtle clink of glasses, as the guests savored both the perfume and the momentous occasion it marked in the world of high fashion and fragrance.

Product Line:

Cobra, marketed exclusively as perfume and cologne, maintained consistent pricing from its launch in 1941 through 1950, reflecting stability amidst wartime economic conditions. The product line featured a range of sizes catering to various preferences and affordability levels. For instance, the perfume offerings included 1/4 oz priced at $5.00, 1/2 oz at $10.50, 1 oz at $18.50, and 2 oz at $35.00. These options ensured that consumers could select according to their desired quantity and budget, making Cobra accessible to a wide audience despite the challenges of the time.

In addition to its perfume variants, Cobra was also available in a 4 oz cologne format priced at $5.00. This choice provided an alternative for those who preferred a lighter, more refreshing fragrance option compared to the concentrated perfume. The consistent pricing strategy across the range of sizes and formulations underscored Parfums Weil's commitment to offering luxury and elegance without compromising accessibility, thereby solidifying Cobra's reputation as a timeless and enduring fragrance option during a period marked by global turmoil and economic uncertainty.

Bottles:

"Cobra," introduced by Parfums Weil Paris, Inc. in September 1941, arrived during a time fraught with global tensions as World War II engulfed much of the world. The perfume's launch coincided with a period where luxury goods faced constraints due to wartime rationing and shifting societal priorities. Despite these challenges, perfumes like Cobra aimed to provide a touch of glamour and allure amidst the uncertainty of the era.

The presentation of Cobra was meticulously crafted to convey luxury and sophistication. Housed in a distinctive bottle, the perfume rested on a dark blue velvet base, topped by a shiny dark blue cover embossed with the name of the firm. This design not only protected the fragrance but also enhanced its appeal as a collector's item and a symbol of refined elegance.

Cobra Parfum was made available in a variety of sizes, catering to different preferences and purchasing capacities of consumers during wartime. The sizes included 2 oz, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/5 oz, and 1 dram (1/8 oz). This range allowed customers to choose according to their needs and budgets, reflecting a marketing strategy to make the perfume accessible across various economic strata despite the challenges posed by wartime shortages.

For those who encountered Cobra during its launch and thereafter, the name and presentation would have evoked a sense of exoticism and sophistication. The deep blue velvet base and embossed cover suggested a product of high craftsmanship and exclusivity, appealing to individuals seeking luxury and elegance in a tumultuous time. The availability of multiple sizes also ensured that Cobra could be enjoyed by a wide audience, from those indulging in full-sized bottles to others seeking a more economical yet still luxurious option in the smaller sizes offered. Thus, Cobra by Parfums Weil Paris, Inc. not only represented a fragrance but also a testament to resilience and elegance amidst the challenges of its historical context.

The Cobra cologne was available in these sizes:

• 4 oz

Evettes:

In 1948 and 1949, Weil's Cobra perfume was innovatively offered in convenient and portable formats known as EVETTES. These were stockinette cloth-covered ampules that contained potent perfume inside. Each EVETTE was designed to be compact, ensuring that the fragrance could be carried discreetly and applied easily with a simple crush of the ampule. This method allowed users to enjoy the sultry aura of Cobra perfume at any moment and in any place, emphasizing its allure and convenience for the modern woman on the go. Additionally, Cobra Cologne in a 2 oz bottle was available for those who preferred a lighter application of the fragrance. These offerings showcased Weil's commitment to both luxury and practicality in the realm of perfumery during that era.

Dram Packages:

In 1949, Weil introduced a new and striking 1/8-oz package for their perfumes, marking its debut in five popular fragrances: Cobra, Zibeline, Cassandra, Antilope, and Noir. This packaging innovation aimed to offer customers a convenient and compact option to experience these renowned fragrances. Each perfume, including the enigmatic Cobra, was packaged in this smaller size, catering to those who preferred portability without compromising on the luxurious essence and allure that Weil's perfumes were known for. This introduction reflected Weil's commitment to adapt to market demands while maintaining the elegance and quality associated with their perfume line.

 

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Cobra by Weil, known for its mysterious and alluring fragrance, enjoyed popularity until around 1953 when it was discontinued. Since then, finding a bottle of Cobra has become quite challenging, as it has become a sought-after collector's item among perfume enthusiasts. Its scarcity adds to its allure, with those lucky enough to possess a bottle treasuring it for its historical significance and distinctive scent profile. If anyone has a bottle of Cobra available, it would indeed be a cherished find for collectors and aficionados of vintage perfumes.