CLARK 1928 Desk Petrol Lighter With Bridge Game In .925 Sterling Silver & Enamel
"The Pillow" desk petrol lighter designed by Clark.
This rare Clark petrol desk lighter was created in the United States circa 1926, during the height of the Art Deco era. Designed in an elegant oval form, the lighter is named the pillow and was masterfully crafted in solid .925 sterling silver with a rich polished finish and decorated with striking black and red enamel accents. A distinctive feature of the design is the Bridge Rules motif, reflecting the immense popularity of the game during the 1920s and adding both decorative charm and practical appeal.
The lighter is fitted with a classic lift-arm ignition mechanism, representative of early American petrol lighter engineering, and remains in fully functional working condition. Preserved in outstanding original condition, it exhibits no dents, repairs, or significant signs of wear, retaining its crisp enamel decoration and exceptional overall appearance.
A rare example of American Art Deco design, this Clark desk lighter beautifully combines innovative mechanical engineering with elegant silver craftsmanship. Its unusual form, excellent state of preservation, and highly collectible Bridge Rules decoration make it a desirable acquisition for collectors of vintage lighters, Art Deco silver, and early twentieth-century American decorative arts.
History of Clark Lighters
W.G. Clark & Co., of Attleboro, Massachusetts, was one of the pioneering American manufacturers of luxury petrol lighters during the Art Deco era. Founded in the mid-1920s, the company introduced its first lift-arm lighters around 1926, following patents granted to Edward F. Clark. Marketed under the memorable slogan "The Clark Always Works," these finely engineered lighters quickly earned a reputation for their reliability, elegant styling, and exceptional craftsmanship. Targeted toward an affluent clientele during the Roaring Twenties and 1930s, Clark produced an impressive range of luxury lighters in finishes that included sterling silver, gold and platinum plate, solid gold, colorful enamel, leather coverings, mother-of-pearl, and the rare Japanese Namiki lacquer. The company's products reflected the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco movement while incorporating innovative lift-arm ignition mechanisms that combined smooth operation with dependable performance. Among the firm's most celebrated creations are the Firefly, Windodger, Petite, Modernistic, and Pillow models, each distinguished by its unique form and decorative treatment. Today, Clark lighters are highly prized for their rarity, mechanical ingenuity, and distinctive American Art Deco design, making them among the most desirable vintage petrol lighters for collectors of fine smoking accessories and twentieth-century decorative arts.
Country: Attleboro, Massachusetts, United States.
Period: Art-Deco, 1926.
Materials: Polished .925 sterling silver, black and red enamel.
Model: "Clark" oval pillow desk lighter.
Weight: 84.95 Grams, (54.46 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 82.55 mm by L. 62.23 mm by D. 44.45 mm (3.25 x 2.45 x 1.75 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver and signed in full as follows, "CLARL LIGHTER PAT-1926".
Note: This "Clark" pillow desk lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this "Clark" pillow desk lighter is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver and is in working-display condition. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D080626NIII/2.518
