Roger & Gallet Violette Dry Perfume Sachet 1/2 oz Vintage 1940s 1949 Confirmed
One of Roger & Gallet's beautifully preserved mid-century violet preparations, this exceptionally scarce Violette dry perfume sachet represents the continuation of the historic French house's celebrated violet fragrance tradition. Dating to 1949, the petite American-market bottle retains its original dry perfume contents, period labels, and, most importantly, its original cork closure that has never been removed.
Available for immediate purchase is this lovely, vintage 1949 CONFIRMED, compounded in the USA, guaranteed original and authentic, Violette Dry Perfume Sachet in a 0.50-ounce (1/2 ounce or 15ml) size with its unopened cork stopper by Roger & Gallet Paris. There is a split in the tight protective overwrap surrounding the cork; however, the overwrap has not been removed from the cork, and the cork itself remains fully intact and has never been disturbed. All photos were taken at high magnification to best highlight overall condition. The buyer will receive the exact item pictured. Dating & Authentication
This item has been confirmed to 1949. Its period bottle construction, labeling, "Compounded U.S.A." designation, dry perfume sachet format, and original cork closure are consistent with Roger & Gallet's American-market production of the late 1940s.
The bottle retains its original round brown and cream "Compounded in U.S.A." label, identifying it as a domestically compounded Roger & Gallet product intended for the American market. The 1/2-ounce size, illustrated Violette label, and distinctive pink and gold sachet neck band provide additional period identifiers. Condition
This bottle is in excellent vintage condition and retains its original dry perfume contents and unopened cork stopper. The clear rectangular glass remains clean and attractive, with its decorative molded base intact. The original illustrated Violette front label is exceptionally well preserved, as is the distinctive pink and white neck band.
There is a split in the tight protective overwrap surrounding the cork, visible in the photographs. Importantly, the overwrap has not been removed, the cork itself remains fully intact, and the closure has never been disturbed. The cork exhibits expected age-related discoloration appropriate for an original closure dating to 1949. Why This Item Stands Out
Finding an approximately 77-year-old scented toiletry with its original contents is increasingly difficult. Finding one that still retains an undisturbed original cork closure is considerably more unusual.
Virtually every important element of this bottle's original presentation survives, including its dry perfume contents, cork, protective overwrap, pink and white neck band, illustrated Violette front label, American compounding label, and decorative molded glass bottle.
The unusual dry perfume sachet format further distinguishes this item from conventional liquid perfume bottles. Sachet preparations were intended to impart fragrance to clothing, lingerie, linens, drawers, wardrobes, and other personal items. As both a fragrance collectible and a surviving example of mid-century scented toiletry culture, this is an exceptional Roger & Gallet piece. Collector's Notes
Roger & Gallet's association with violet fragrance extends well into the nineteenth century. The house introduced its historically important Vera Violetta during the 1890s, with 1894 generally cited as its commercial launch year. Created by Henri Roger, Vera Violetta appeared during an important period in the development of modern perfumery, when perfumers were increasingly combining traditional natural materials with newly available aromatic molecules.
The later Violette shown here belongs to Roger & Gallet's long-established violet fragrance tradition. Vintage references sometimes describe Violette as a successor to Vera Violetta, although surviving documentation is insufficient to establish that Violette was simply the identical fragrance under a shortened name.
Roger & Gallet historically offered its fragrances across numerous complementary products rather than limiting them to bottled perfume. Scented soaps, powders, lotions, sachets, and other toiletries allowed customers to surround themselves with a favorite fragrance. This remarkably complete dry perfume sachet is a particularly attractive surviving example of that practice. Fragrance History:
1894: Roger & Gallet introduces Vera Violetta, created by Henri Roger and centered on the scent of violet. Late 1890s-Early 1900s: Roger & Gallet expands its violet fragrance offerings across perfume and complementary scented toiletry preparations. Early 20th Century: Violet fragrances remain part of Roger & Gallet's extensive international fragrance and toiletry catalog. 1940s: Roger & Gallet offers Violette products, including dry perfume sachets compounded for the American market. 1949: This confirmed Violette Dry Perfume Sachet is compounded in the USA in its 1/2-ounce presentation with its original cork closure. Fragrance Notes
Roger & Gallet's Violette belongs to the house's historic violet fragrance tradition and centers on the characteristic aroma of violet flowers and green violet leaves. The fragrance combines the soft, delicately sweet, powdery floral character associated with violet blossoms with the fresher, greener quality of violet leaves, producing the elegant violet profile associated with these historic Roger & Gallet preparations.
Please note: Vintage fragrances and scented products may naturally change in color, fragrance, texture, or consistency over time. These characteristics are normal and should be expected with products of this age. This item is offered primarily as a vintage collectible.
