Lentheric MIRACLE Perfume 1930s Scroll Bottle

Lentheric was founded in 1795 as a millinery, evolving into a respected fragrance and cosmetics company over the following century. The name of the company was derived from Guillaume Lenthéric, a French distiller and dispenser of perfumes in late 19th-century Paris. In 1875, Lenthéric opened a small salon at 245 Rue Saint-Honoré, where he began blending and selling perfumes to a select clientele. By 1924, the company was officially incorporated, marking the formal establishment of Lenthéric as a fragrance house. Lenthéric's early success came from its ability to craft personalized perfumes for its customers, eventually growing into a major player in the perfume industry. Lenthéric's growth continued into the 20th century, expanding internationally and operating branches in Deauville, Monte Carlo, Nice, Baden-Baden, and London. In 1942, Lenthéric became a subsidiary of Squibb, with Squibb controlling 90% of the company. During the 1940s and 1950s, Lenthéric faced challenges, including a decline in earnings and increasing costs. To boost sales, Lenthéric introduced a new line of makeup called Sheer Beauty in 1951, alongside more affordable versions of existing products like Debo Deodorant. Despite these efforts, the company faced continued financial difficulties, leading to further ownership changes. In the decades following, Lentheric underwent several acquisitions. In 1956, Helene Curtis Industries of Chicago acquired the company. By 1990, Old Bond Street purchased Lenthéric and Yardley from SmithKline Beecham, before selling Lenthéric to Shaneel Enterprises Ltd. in 1998. Despite its many changes in ownership, Lenthéric's legacy lives on through its perfumes like Miracle and Tweed, which have become enduring classics. Though the brand is less prominent today, its contributions to the fragrance industry, particularly in the realm of elegant, accessible perfumes, remain an important part of its history.