Molinard, Orval, 15 ml. or 0.5 oz. Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1946, Paris, France ..

In 1849, a chemist named Molinard Jeune concocted excellent perfumed waters in the secrecy of his laboratory which he then sold from a small boutique in the center of town. The reputation of Molinard's perfumes grew and became established with the creation in 1921 of Habanita, a perfume that to the day remains a great classic.

The Maison Molinard was founded in 1849 in Grasse, Provence, in the south of France, cradle of the world's perfume industry. It has remained an entirely family-run business to this day, and is also the oldest of its kind. At that time, Molinard produced floral waters and Eaux de Cologne, which it sold in its "little shop" in the town centre.

In 1860 Molinard began creating new fragrances: after "Jasmin" and "Rose" came "Mimosa" and "Violette" in discreet, elegant bottles made of Baccarat crystal. In 1891, Queen Victoria stayed at Grasse, and bought Eau de Cologne there.

In 1900, the company moved into an old perfume factory, where the distillery structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Molinard is still there today. A typical Provençal showroom was set up, and its first customers were wealthy foreigners from England and Russia. They came to admire its magnificent collection of 17th and 18th century furniture, and buy Molinard eaux de Cologne together with all its floral fragrances.

1921 was a momentous year, when Molinard launched two products that are still popular today. Firstly, the famous Habanita ? originally marketed to perfume cigarettes - which in 1924 became "the most tenacious perfume in the world", and secondly, Concréta, the first solid perfume: "natural flower wax used directly as a perfume".

Encouraged by its success, the company called on the celebrated glassmaker René Lalique to design and produce a number of magnificent bottles for Molinard, including "Iles d'Or" in 1930, "Madrigal" in 1930, and "Le baiser du faune" in 1932. In 1920, the famous bottle-designer Viard created a number of outstanding designs for the company.

Launched in 1946, Orval is described as a 'woodsy green' perfume, with floral and almond notes.

Top notes are Mandarin, Orange Blossom, and Bergamot
Heart notes are Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Honeysuckle, and Green Notes
Base notes are Oak Moss, Vetiver, Leather, Benzoin, and Sandalwood

Offered here is a charming flacon of the beautiful Orval. The label has a little degredation, but otherwise it is wonderful. Molinard collectors! No box.