Roger & Gallet, Eau de Cologne, Marque Noir, 200 ml. or 6.76 oz. Flacon, 1806, 1955, Paris, France ..

The real roots of the much-loved fragrance house of Roger & Gallet go back, astonishingly, to 1693 – and the creation of ‘Acqua Mirabilis’, or ‘miracle water’, a distillation of medicinal plants, later patented by the Cologne Faculty of Medicine in 1727.

But it was in 1806 that Jean-Marie Farina, heir to the precious ‘apothecary formula’ for ‘Acqua Mirabilis’ – and official supplier of fragrances to Napoleon I – created his own ‘Eau de Cologne’. That’s a name you’ll still see today – as refreshing as it ever was, and just one of a delicious, sense-awakening collection of fragrances which we can now enjoy from Roger & Gallet.

The fist cologne ever .. named 'Eau de Cologne' .. was launched in 1709. Its creator was Johann Maria Farina, an Italian who lived in Koln, Germany. He dedicated his Eau de Cologne in the honor of this city, where he lived from 1708.

In July of 1709 he founded a cologne company, which became very popular and successful. It was named Johann Maria Farina gegenüber dem Jülichs-Platz, placed in Koln with a signature logo of a red tulip. The company still runs today and the owners are the eighth generation of Farina’s offspring.

While a resident of Germany, Farina found inspiration in his native Italy, sunny citrus fruits and aromas of the Mediterranean coastline. As a contrast to the intense and strong perfumes that were available in Europe and were based on cinnamon, musk and sandalwood oils, his creations gave a completely different approach .. a complex scent was a true innovation at that time.

In 1806 the great-grandson of Farina, Jean Marie Joseph Farina, opened the perfume business in Paris, which he later sold to the prestigious company Roger & Gallet. Roger & Gallet owners then gained the right to produce Eau de Cologne Extra Vielle as an opposite to the “firstborn” from Koln .. the legendary Eau de Cologne Original.

Roger & Gallet Eau de Cologne Extra Vieille was launched in 1806. This fragrance, with its freshness of the Mediterranean coastline view, bathed in brilliant Italian citruses, was created as a relaxant and scented aromatherapy that caresses all your senses. Aromatic citrus scents in the top notes are offered by vibrant and sparkling citrus fruits of Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, and Orange. The heart brings aromas of Neroli, Myrtle, Petitgrain, Carnations, Roses, and Rosemary, while the base hides a discreet spicy Clove twist.

Top Notes are Lemon, Bergamot, Orange and Mandarin Orange
Heart notes are Petitgrain, Rosemary, Neroli, Carnation and Rose
Base notes are Clove, Myrtle, Cedar, Vetiver, Musk, White Amber and Sandalwood

Offered here is a wonderful 200 ml. bottle of this inimitable cologne. While it is fabulous for men, it is also often used by woman. It is classical, beloved, refreshing, and a must have summer cologne!! This bottle bears the name 'Marque Noir' or 'Black Seal'. A wonderful summer scent! Truly a gorgeous fragrance. Small stain on label. It comes with its original presentation box. A treasure!