Guerlain’s Flacon Guerlilas, also known as the "tank" bottle, produced between 1927 and 1949, was created specifically to house the extraits of Guerlilas and later, beginning in 1934, Guerlarose. The bottle was manufactured by two of the premier French glassworks of the period, Baccarat and Pochet et du Courval, both of whom were long-standing collaborators with Guerlain. Baccarat, renowned for its refined crystal craftsmanship, produced four moulds, while Pochet et du Courval added one mould of their own. This partnership ensured both availability and consistency in supply, while also reflecting the prestige Guerlain enjoyed in working with such elite manufacturers.
The Flacon Guerlilas itself was a study in restraint and elegance. Its design emphasized clean proportions and clarity rather than elaborate embellishment, making it a versatile form adaptable across several fragrances. Over its period of production, the bottle carried three different label styles, distinguished by their striking color combinations: white and purple, green with silver and black, and yellow with silver and black. Each label contributed to the distinct identity of the fragrance it accompanied. The original Art Deco presentation box was equally refined—black with silver bands—bearing the same label motif as the bottle, reinforcing a cohesive and sophisticated presentation.
Interestingly, the Baccarat version of the Flacon Guerlilas was not exclusive to Guerlain. Rival perfumery Gueldy also adopted this very design for perfumes such as Ambre and Bal des Fleurs. This crossover illustrates the realities of the perfume industry in the interwar years, when glassmakers often supplied the same bottle design to multiple houses. In Guerlain’s case, however, the bottle still carried the prestige of Baccarat’s workmanship and the weight of the house’s own heritage, making it distinct in association even if not unique in form.
Today, surviving examples of the Flacon Guerlilas embody the transitional elegance of Guerlain’s interwar era, a period when the house skillfully balanced tradition with modernity. While understated compared to some of Guerlain’s more elaborate presentations, the bottle remains an object of fascination for collectors. Its dual history—as both a vessel for Guerlain’s perfumes and as a design shared with another house—underscores the complex interplay between exclusivity and practicality in perfume bottle production. It is a testament not only to Guerlain’s artistry but also to the interconnected nature of French perfumery and glassmaking in the early 20th century.
Sizes:
- 40ml/1.35 oz - 5.4cm/2.13" (1930-1949)
- 80ml/2.7 oz - 7.4cm/2.91" (1930-1949)
- 125ml/4.2 oz - 8.3cm/3.27" (1930-1949)
- 250ml/8.4 oz - 11cm/4.33" (1930-1949)
Pochet et du Courval produced one mould:
- Mould #14146 = 80cc/80ml/2.7 oz - 7.4cm/2.91"
Bottles:
Scents:
- Guerlilas
- Guerlarose
