This tin powder box was produced by the Mülhens before the 1917 revolution. It is difficult to estimate the exact date of creation, but it is known for sure that the company was the Supplier of the Imperial Court, and this title was awarded from 1897 to 1913.

The Mülhens company was founded by Wilhelm Mülhens (1762–1841), who went into business with his father Jacob and his brothers. In 1796, the family bought a house in Cologne. It is interesting that later the number of their address — 4711 Glockenstrasse —became part of their brand. The purchase of the house helped to start a new business. In 1803 Wilhelm managed to sign an agreement with Karl Franz and Maria Farina to be able to use the perfume brand “Farina” for his products. Over time, with various European armies often crossing the Rhine, the Mülhens company products became popular with military officers and civilians.

After Wilhelm retired in 1821 to enjoy a well-earned rest, his son Peter Joseph (1801–1873) headed the business. At that time, the Mülhens faced a lawsuit started by the “Farina” company. The litigation process ended only when Wilhelm’s son Ferdinand headed the company: the right of using the brand name was lost. After that, the management had to go with a rebranding process and sell the products using the names “Mülhens” and “4711”.

With these brands the company came to tsarist Russia offering a wide variety of products. The new items were advertised in a thoughtful and effective way. For example, the toothpaste that used the salt from Wiesbaden’s saline springs was called “the latest invention of modern science”, which “has no equal.” “Fat powder 4711” protected the skin from the changing weather and was recommended to be applied before balls or soirees. A series of floral colognes “Rhine Bouquets” was named “excellent long-lasting and cheap perfume for shawls”, the “Cordial” perfume had “the charm and strength of the fragrance one of its kind”, and “Cologne 4711” was called “the greatest good for the skin and complexion.”