Le Galion, Sortilège, Sortilege, 'Spell', 30 ml. or 1 oz. Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1937, 1950, Paris, France ..

Le Galion, French for galleon, is a large warship or trader sailing ship with three or more masts .. lateen-rigged on the after masts and square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast .. whose dominance of the seas during the 15th to 18th centuries resulted in what we recognize today in the brand's logo.

The firm was supposedly founded by Prince Murat, but it was perfumer Paul Vacher who created the Le Galion fragrances, trademarked in 1936. He worked at Guerlain, one of the oldest perfume houses in the world, among other perfume houses. Vacher is best known for his parts in the creations of vintage Miss Dior for Christian Dior in 1947 with Jean Carles, and Arpège for Lanvin in 1927 with André Fraysse, as well as his Diorling, again for Dior in the 1960s.

The name of this beautiful brand, inspired by majestic seafaring vessels with their vast square sterns, evoked thoughts of freedom and escape. Some of the beautiful fragrances associated with the brand have stayed in our memories ... most especially Sortilège .. It seems that when Le Galion launched Sortilège in 1937 they wanted, like many perfume houses at the time, to have their own powdery aldehydic floral and play in the Chanel No. 5 field. They succeeded well, as Sortilège has this refined elegance that goes with pearls and fine gloves. The heart is a very recognizable rose-lily-jasmine blend. And it has a perfectly French feel.

Sortilège was launched in 1937. The word Sortilège means 'spell' or 'charm'. It is bright and floral, with a heavenly oriental and powdery notes, and it is very sophisticated. The fragrances by Le Galion are ladylike, graceful and elegant, typical of the 1930s, with good stability over the years, a genuine concern for those of us who seek vintage perfumes.

Top notes are Bergamot, Peach, Aldehydes, and Orange Blossom
Heart notes are Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Violet, Lilac, and Orris Root
Base notes are Musk, Oak Moss, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Oppopanax, Styrax, and Amber

This beautiful perfume opens with a sparkle of hesperedic notes and blossoming orange flowers, and then moves into the deep florals with bursts of Jasmine and rose, but as it dries down it leaves one with a beautiful oriental iris softness with the sweetness of tonka and vanilla and the warmth of the resins.

Offered here is a wonderful lovely 30 ml. bottle of this exquisite scent, I don't feel it has been previously opened though the baudruche or onion skin is a little torn. It is still absolutely lovely! It comes with its original presentation box ..