Funel, Coffret Set, Sabrina, Bouquet, Esterel, 15 ml. or 0.5 oz. x 3 Flacons, Parfum Extrait, 1960, Paris, Cannes, France ..

Established in Grasse in 1884, Funel was originally an orange flower water producer. Later Funel launched a range of fragrances as ‘Gifts from Grasse’ as well as also opening an outlet for perfumes in Paris. 1884 was a year marked by two major events in France .. the automobile was born, and the artisan perfumer Louis Funel set up shop on the hillsides of Cannes. A pioneer in perfumes for ‘ambiance', Funel was the first to offer air scents formulated according to French perfume industry rules and practices. He was the pioneer of scents for the home and the car.

The growth of the perfume industry was fuelled by large orange plantations in the Grasse region where the cultivation of other perfume crops also increased, such as rose, carnation, tuberose, violet, and jasmine. At the same time, French companies in the East and West Indies gave perfumers direct access to many exotic products.

At Versailles, where the most rigorous standards of etiquette ruled, perfume was used in many accessories, from bags, fans, handkerchiefs, clothes, wigs, beads, and scented gloves, and in Funel’s case, also perfumes for ambiance! Louis XIV, nicknamed the “sweet smelling prince”, so enjoyed his perfumes, that this further aided the perfume industry to grow. To entertain themselves, courtiers made various perfumed products following the example of the Duchess of Aumont, wife of the Marshal of France, who put together a power formula called “à la Maréchale” based on iris, coriander, cloves, sweet flag, and nut grass. At a time when Versailles set the tone for French and European high society, this passion for scents was naturally an important success factor for perfumers.

The prophylactic, therapeutic, and cleansing powers of fragrances endured. More than ever, it was thought to provide protection from impure air. Funel continued to make perfumes right into the 1960’s.

Offered here is a charming coffret in excellent condition containing three 1/2 oz. flacons of Sabrina, Bouquet, and Esterel. Each of these is an exquisite feminine floral composed with the highest grade essential oils from Grasse. Each perfume has different notes, and each is elegant, feminine, and sweet. Absolutely precious!!