The history of the Volupté, manufacturer of compact powders, cigarette cases, lighters, and jewelry, began in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1932. Noteworthy, Volupte’s advertising listed 1914 as the beginning of its business. Known for 22 years as Superior Products Corporation, the firm changed its name to Volupte in 1932.

Founded by Russian immigrant Simon Spitalny (1863-1933) and his wife Dora (1868-1939), Superior Products manufactured perfumes, toilet powders, rouge and lip rouge. Located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Superior Products became a corporation in October 1926, under the management of Frederick Spitalny, the founder’s son.

In 1931, president of Superior Products Corporation Frederick Spitalny (1890 – 1983) revolutionized the character of the business. First, he announced the launch of compacts under Volupte trademark. By the way, Volupté means Pleasure in French. Incorporated in 1932, Volupte opened a division at 347 Fifth Ave., New York.

Frederick Spitalny, president of Volupte Inc

In January 1933, Frederick Spitalny traveled to Europe for several months, spending much of his time in France and Germany, studying fashion trends to find new ideas for his business. Within the next five years, his company became the most famous manufacturer of compacts in the United States.

Frederick Spitalny headed the corporation as its president, his brother Milton was vice- president, and their father Simon Spitalny was treasurer. Frederick’s brother-in-law Israel Schwartzbach was secretary. Other officers of the company included John J. Pollock (1893 – 1943), general sales manager.

The Leading Specialists of Volupte

At different times, the leading specialists were also Mortimer Spitalny (1918 – 2016), vice president, Max Solomon, Harry Cooper, and Claire Wander, advertising director, formerly promotion director with Helena Rubinstein, Inc. Volupte’s sales representatives were Norman Rieffarth, Leonard Caplin, Charles Braveman, Mort Spitalny, and Monroe Spitalny.

During the Second World War, Volupte converted its facilities to the military production, in particular body capsules and other items.

40th anniversary

In 1954 Volupté, Inc celebrated its 40th anniversary with the opening of new showrooms at 393 Fifth Ave., N. Y. The company’s product range was quite diverse and included not only exquisite powder boxes and matching lighters, but also jewelry.

These included sets of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cuff links, and brooches, plated in gold or silver and embellished with rhinestones and imitation pearls. Thus, Volupte, Inc., 393 Fifth Ave., New York, became also a famous manufacturer of costume jewelry, and even “Car Mates” jewelry to match automobile colors.

Shields Inc purchased Volupte

According to the Jewelers’ Circular Keystone (1957-03), Shields, Inc., of Attleboro purchased Volupte, Inc, manufacturer of compacts and costume jewelry in Linden, N. J. “George Rosenberg, president of Shields, has assumed presidency of Volupte, whose activities will continue in Linden”. The purchase was part of a general diversification by Shields.

Volupté Inc Jewelry and ads