In 1882, Leopold Franck founded Marcel Franck in Paris to mass-produce atomizers for perfume bottles. Atomizers are devices that convert a single stream of liquid into a fine spray. Although they are not as valuable as the bottles they complement, these devices were in demand.
The company’s first clients were local hairdressers and beauticians, according to perfumeprojects.com. As Marcel Franck built its reputation, large department stores in Paris, such as Le Galleries Lafayette and Le Printemps, joined its clientele.
After the Leopold Franck’s death in 1907, his son, Marcel, took over administration of the company (perfumeprojects.com). Marcel established relationships with leading glass bottle makers throughout Europe to expand the company’s reach. He began producing atomizers for famous perfume houses as well as glass companies like Lalique, Baccarat, Guerlain and d’Orsay. Even though Marcel Franck chose to contract with these companies, he wanted his company to be known as more than a subcontractor (perfumeprojects.com). This is why you will find the name “Marcel Franck” or simply “Franck” on many of the bottles, or sometimes on stickers on the bottles, that the company worked with.
This Marcel Franck Crystal-Cut Atomizer has both a tag (image on the left) as well as engraving on its brass top (image on right). Available at Beaux Arts Galleria.
On this particular bottle, you see “Bendor pour Franck” written on the side. Bendor Glass Company produced the bottle and Franck produced the atomizer.
French Cameo Perfume Bottle with Atomizer sporting “Bendor pour Franck.” Available at Beaux Arts Galleria.
Marcel Franck did not just produce atomizers for full-sized perfume bottles, however. The company also produced travel atomizers that were easily carried in women’s purses. Marcel Franck atomizers, guaranteed by the company not to leak, were wonderful compliments to the ornate perfume bottles of the time.
