Quelques Violettes by Houbigant c1914

Quelques Violettes was originally launched way back in the late 1700s, when it was reportedly a favorite of Queen Marie-Antoinette. Houbigant was her personal perfumer. It was discontinued for decades before being reformulated and relaunched in 1914, but this too was discontinued in the 1960s.


"HOUBIGANT QUELQUES VIOLETTES —a delicate combination of violet scents — with the distinctively “woody" odor. A perfume of wistful charm and beauty that yields forth the inmost nature of the violet."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehyde, citrus
• Heart notes: rose, ylang ylang, violet, jasmine
• Base notes: sandalwood, cedar, ambergris, oakmoss, musk

Bottles:

1950s bottle, photo by syssy

c1920 bottle. photo by lesaneesfolles

image from 1923 Houbigant catalog

The Quelques Violettes line consisted of various products (number prefacing each is the catalog number):

• 4750 - Extract (Parfum) Flacon miniature (purse bottle) 
• 3750 - Extract (Parfum) 1/2 oz stands 1 3/8" tall
• 2750 - Extract (Parfum) 1 oz stands 2.75" tall
• 750 - Extract (Parfum) 2 oz stands 3.25" tall
• 2756 - Toilet Water - 4 oz (5.5"
• 756 - Toilet Water - 8 oz
• 703 - Talcum Powder (140gr)
• 755 - Dusting Powder - small size
• 675 - Face Powder
• 448 - Sachet Powder 1.5 oz bottle stands 2.5" tall
• 439 - Sachet Powder 8 oz bottle
• 753 - Eau Vegetale in a 6.25 oz bottle
• 612 - Brilliantine (Liquid) stands 3.75" tall
• 614 - Brilliantine (concrete)

Fate of the Fragrance: 

Discontinued, date unknown, still being sold in 1962.

Reformulated and relaunched in 1996 in association with Claire Fragrance (Parfums Claire). Still in production.

"An exotic blend of violets combined with a soft feminine multi-floral bouquet all beautifully arranged to create a modern classic."

• Top notes: aldehydes, green notes
• Heart notes: violet, tuberose
• Base notes: sandalwood, musk