Sunday, November 23, 2014

Flacon de Sac Le Baton de Magicien (1952)

In 1952, Magie de Lancôme was presented in an enchanting and highly artistic flacon whimsically shaped like a magic wand, known as Le Bâton de Magicien. Crafted from frosted glass, the tubular bottle was delicately molded with embossed stars along its length, evoking the playful and mysterious aura of a sorcerer’s wand. Approximately five inches in length, the bottle is topped with a solid brass cap—slightly prone to oxidation over time—securing the 1/4-ounce quantity of concentrated parfum within. The base is inscribed “Made in France,” emphasizing the perfume’s Parisian craftsmanship, while the striking gold label and accompanying star-decorated box further reinforce the sense of whimsy and luxury.

The design of this flacon was the creation of Georges Delhomme, whose talent for marrying elegance with imagination is evident in the graceful proportions and magical motif of the bottle. Its frosted finish softens the lines of the glass, diffusing light and lending the wand a delicate, ethereal quality. As noted in a 1952 Cue magazine feature, the perfume itself carries a persistent note of jasmine, intertwined with a bouquet of aromatic flowers, grasses, and subtle woods, perfectly complementing the bottle’s fantastical visual concept. Retailing at $8.50, this miniature marvel was a collectible as much as it was a vessel for fragrance, a perfect example of mid-century Parisian artistry in perfume presentation.



















 The Bâton de Magicien flacon de sac, Lancôme’s whimsical magic wand–shaped purse bottle, continued to be offered well into the mid-1960s. Retaining its iconic frosted glass design, embossed stars, and brass cap, this compact 1/4-ounce flacon remained a practical yet luxurious accessory for carrying a favorite parfum on the go. Its enduring presence in the market underscores both the timeless appeal of Georges Delhomme’s imaginative design and the ongoing popularity of Magie de Lancôme, allowing collectors and fragrance enthusiasts alike to enjoy a miniature version of the brand’s artistry long after its initial 1952 debut.