BTCIC

The BTCIC Glassworks, also known as BETCIC, the tradename for the Bureau Technique de Collaboration Industrielle et Commerciale, was located at 9, Avenue Perrichont, Paris, France. They created stunning perfume bottles and presentations for luxury perfumers after the first world war, into the 1920s and 1930s. BTCIC made bottles, labels and total presentations for companies such as Caray, Parfums Paul, Eroy and others.

Their most famous creation was the bottle portraying Gaby Deslys. This bottle was first used in 1925 for various perfumers, then for Adoree by Eroy in the 1930s. Then in 1939 it was again used for a different perfumes, Sequoia by Rene Pierre (also known as Pierre Dune), Je'nose by Caray, J'Ose by de Mareze, Jolie Marquise by Molines in 1935, Mademoiselle Pigalle by HF Sorel. These early bottles have the female figure as the stopper, sitting on a cushion. The inspiration for this perfume bottle was the actress Gaby Deslys, a famous flamboyantly costumed dancer and courtesan of the early 20th century of Marseilles, France. In the 1926 advertisement below, you can see the original bottle by BTCIC.

The bottle for Nuit de Mariage by Parfums de Paul was presented in a bottle, box and label by B.T.C.I.C.. Also in a bottle made by Verrières Viard. This bottle was also used by other perfume companies such as the American firm Lander and M. Ballespi of Barcelona.

In her book, Masterpieces of the Perfume Industry, Christie Mayer Lefkowith shows us an Egyptomania bottle for Ramses for their 1919 perfume, Hycsos.

 

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"You sell your packaged products because it is a guarantee for the clientele...and for you. You want this packaging to be appealing because it's a selling point. You find this presentation, which facilitates the sale, at the BTCIC, whose bottles, cases, simple line labels, elegant in shape, constitute harmonious sets which attract the attention of the buyer and guide his choice. Ask for our free catalog, you will see how our prices are moderate."

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Collecting Boxes for Perfume Bottles

Every now and then I see a beautiful box which held perfume from long ago. People collect these boxes for many reasons: the rareness of the perfume name, company, the artistic style of the box, or they have the bottle and need the box to complete the presentation.

It's fascinating how even seemingly mundane items like perfume boxes can carry such significance and charm, becoming sought-after collectibles. The allure of vintage perfume boxes often lies in their combination of aesthetics, history, and nostalgia. Each box holds a story, whether it's about the fragrance it once contained, the era it represents, or the craftsmanship that went into its design. Plus, for collectors, completing a set with the original box adds an extra layer of authenticity and completeness to their collection. Do you collect these boxes yourself, or are you just drawn to their beauty?