Ciro, Violette d'Algers, 'Algerian Violet', 30 ml. or 1 oz. Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1925, 1960, Paris, France ..

Established by La Société Gladstone et Cie, originally an English company which was started in 1869, Ciro Parfumerie was finally located at 20 rue de le Paix, Paris in 1923. It was named after a famous nightclub, and was well known for its perfumes, toiletries and cosmetics. Elizabeth Arden was the first US distributor of Ciro's perfumes who imported them along with Babani perfumes around 1924. By 1926, top flight drug stores and department stores were carrying Ciro's perfumes.

A 1924 advertisement states that "Every woman loves the rare fragrance of Ciro's Perfumes. Ciro's Perfumes are preferred .. not because they are costly .. but because of their exquisite charm. "

Ciro was a classic yet lesser known perfume line. They featured unusual combinations, superior substances and memorable presentations. In their time, Ciro perfumes were considered a cut above a variety of the scents they competed against. Somewhat avant guard, similar to what we might label 'niche' today, yet in a crowded field, their offerings were consistently well-received.

In 1955, fragrances by Parfums Ciro were the focal point of Jay Thorpe's grand fashion pagent at the Plaza Hotel. The show featured a trio of Jay Thorpe Originals, designer dresses inspired by and named after three of Ciro's most popular perfumes: Danger, Reflections and Surrender. The 'Ciro Blackamoor' wandered through the crowd, dressed in oriental finery, carrying perfumes on a silken pillow. The show provided a spectacular showcase for the perfumes and the promotional savvy of the man behind Parfums Ciro.

Ciro in the US was taken on by J.S. Wiedhopf. As a young man, Wiedhopf worked for the Alfred H. Smith Company, who were the only stateside importers of Djerkiss perfume. After he learned the business and perhaps sensing there were more lucrative opportunities, Wiedhopf struck out on his own. In 1921 he started his own business, Guy T Gibson Inc. There he began to import the exclusive Parisian brand Parfums Caron, which he sold to American customers in his New York retail shop. Soon Wiedhopf began offering perfumes under his own label, although the scents were actually being manufactured and bottled by Gamilla in France. In 1936, Wiedhopf renamed Guy T Gibson as Parfums Ciro. As the company prospered, Wiedkopf was able to reinvest in his product. He spared no expense enhancing Ciro perfumes by securing the best packaging and bottle designers of the time, notably Baccarat. The advertising images for Ciro were no exception to the overall quality that came to embody the brand.

Launched around 1925, Violette d'Algers parfum extraitis a beautiful light refreshing violet perfume. During the 1920's there was huge interest in all things oriental and Tunisia, Morocco, and Algiers were considered romantic destinations full of intrigue.

There are no notes on the Internet for this lovely fragrance, but my impression would be Citrus, Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Violets, Violet Leaf, Orris, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Honeysuckle, Sandalwood. It has been previously opened and gently used. The perfume comes with its charming original presentation box.

Offered here is a beautiful almost full one ounce bottle of this gorgeous violette, barely used and in excellent condition. I had a real struggle getting the stopper loose, and in the process I damaged the label a tiny bit. Comes in its original presentation box. Stunning scent!! Violet lovers .. !