Antique Lareine et Cie Perfume Bottle in Original Presentation Case, c.1910

Antique Lareine et Cie Perfume Bottle in Original Presentation Case, c.1910

A rare and wonderfully evocative antique perfume bottle by Lareine et Cie, preserved within its original fitted presentation case and dating to the Edwardian or early George V period, circa 1900–1915.

Complete antique perfume presentations of this type are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Bottles were frequently discarded once their fragrance had been used, while the delicate card cases, silk linings and paper labels were particularly vulnerable to damage or loss. The survival of the bottle, glass stopper, fitted case and clearly printed Lareine et Cie interior therefore makes this a particularly appealing and scarce example of early 20th-century perfume packaging.

The shaped presentation case is covered in a dark teal-blue material and decorated throughout with faded gilt-coloured Neoclassical motifs. The lid features a charming period image of an elegantly dressed lady seated beside a classical urn or pedestal, surrounded by flowers and delicate decorative borders. Similar stylised decoration continues around the sides of the case, giving it the refined appearance of a miniature vanity box. Size 13cm x 9cm x 5cm

Opening the case reveals its original rich golden-yellow satin lining. The inside of the lid is prominently printed in flowing period script with the name:

“Lareine et Cie”

This surviving branded lining is a particularly important feature, helping to identify the original perfumery and adding greatly to the historical and decorative interest of the piece.

Nestled within the fitted interior is the original rectangular clear-glass perfume bottle. It has gently bevelled shoulders, a thick glass base and an attractive clear spherical stopper. The simple bottle design allows the elaborate presentation case to take centre stage and is typical of the elegant perfume and toilet preparations sold during the Edwardian period.

A fragment of the original paper label remains wrapped around the bottle neck. Although portions of the decorative lettering can still be seen, the wording is now too incomplete to identify the exact fragrance with certainty. Lareine et Cie produced a variety of traditional floral and fashionable scents, but it would not be responsible to attribute this bottle to one particular perfume without a complete readable label.

Lareine et Cie

Lareine et Cie was an early 20th-century fragrance and toilet-preparations business with a deliberately French-inspired name and image. The brand was active during the Edwardian era and became associated with Boots the Chemist, reflecting a fascinating period when British retailers were developing their own ranges of perfumes, cosmetics and luxury toiletries.

The French wording, elegant typography and classical imagery were intended to suggest sophistication and Continental glamour. At a time when perfume was still regarded as a luxury purchase, presentation was extremely important. Bottles were often sold in elaborate fitted boxes such as this one, making them suitable as fashionable gifts and dressing-table accessories.

Original Lareine et Cie bottles are far less commonly encountered than examples from the larger surviving perfume houses. Finding one still accompanied by its branded decorative case is especially unusual. This makes the piece appealing not only to perfume-bottle collectors, but also to collectors of Boots chemist memorabilia, antique cosmetics, Edwardian advertising, vanity accessories and social-history objects.

A Rare Survivor of the Edwardian Dressing Table

This antique perfume bottle offers a glimpse into the rituals of an early 20th-century dressing table. Perfume was often applied sparingly from small stoppered bottles rather than sprayed, and the bottle itself was intended to be displayed alongside vanity mirrors, powder jars, hair brushes and silver-mounted toilet accessories.

The beautiful case would have protected the glass while also presenting the fragrance as something precious. Its gently shaped outline, golden satin interior and romantic pictorial decoration embody the luxurious aesthetic associated with Edwardian femininity.

Today, the bottle and case would make a striking addition to an antique dressing-table display, apothecary collection, vintage bathroom arrangement or decorative cabinet of curiosities. It is also a wonderful piece for anyone interested in the history of perfume, cosmetics, chemists, advertising and women’s social history.

Condition

This is an authentic antique item more than a century old and displays considerable age-related wear.

The glass bottle appears complete and retains its original clear glass stopper. There may be light surface marks, minor manufacturing irregularities and traces of old perfume residue consistent with age and previous use.

The original paper neck label is heavily worn, incomplete and discoloured. Only fragments of its decorative lettering remain, and the exact fragrance name can no longer be confirmed.

The presentation case has rubbing, fading, scratches and areas of loss to its blue and gilt-coloured decoration. There is wear around the edges and corners, together with staining and marking to the underside.

The golden satin lining shows fading, discolouration, marks, creasing, fraying and areas of deterioration. Some of the internal retaining ribbons and fitted sections have weakened or worn away over time. Despite this, the important Lareine et Cie name remains clearly visible inside the lid.

The case still closes and remains highly decorative, although it should be handled carefully due to the age and delicate nature of its construction.

The wear is not disguised and forms part of the piece’s authentic history. Please study all photographs carefully, as they provide an important part of the condition description.

Why We Love It

What makes this piece so special is its completeness and atmosphere. A loose antique perfume bottle is always attractive, but the survival of the original shaped case, printed satin lining, glass stopper and fragmentary neck label transforms this into a much more evocative social-history object.

The faded decoration and timeworn golden lining tell the story of a treasured personal possession rather than a modern reproduction. It has the romantic, slightly mysterious quality that collectors seek in early perfume and vanity items—and the unidentified fragrance only adds to its intrigue.

This is a genuinely scarce opportunity to acquire an original Lareine et Cie antique perfume bottle in its fitted presentation box, suitable for an established perfume collection or as a distinctive standalone decorative piece.

Key Features

Original antique Lareine et Cie perfume bottle

Dating from approximately 1900–1915

Likely Edwardian or early George V period

Original fitted decorative presentation case

Dark teal-blue exterior with gilt-coloured ornament

Pictorial lid featuring an elegantly dressed lady

Original golden satin interior

Clearly printed Lareine et Cie branding

Rectangular clear-glass scent bottle

Original spherical glass stopper

Remnants of the original paper neck label

Exact fragrance no longer identifiable

Rare early perfume, chemist and vanity collectable

Ideal for an antique dressing-table or cabinet display

Please note: The precise fragrance cannot be identified because the original neck label is incomplete. The bottle is sold as an antique collectable and decorative object rather than for cosmetic use.