FOSTER & BAILEY 1927 Art Deco Enameled Sterling Lighter With Lever Mechanism
A petrol pocket lighter designed by JCN & Co.
This exceptionally rare Art Deco petrol pocket lighter was created in the United States circa 1927, combining the masterful silver craftsmanship of Foster & Bailey of Providence, Rhode Island, with the innovative engineering of the JCN Co. flint-wheel ignition mechanism. Beautifully crafted in solid .925 sterling silver, the lighter is embellished with finely executed guilloché enamel panels, exemplifying the refined geometric styling and vibrant decorative arts that defined the Art Deco movement.
The body was produced by Foster & Bailey, one of America's most respected silversmiths, renowned for its luxury sterling silver vanity accessories and exquisite engine-turned enamel work. It incorporates the patented JCN Co. lever-operated flint-wheel mechanism, an ingenious design that provided smooth, reliable ignition while showcasing the mechanical innovation of the period. Designed as a petrol lighter, it operates with traditional liquid lighter fuel and represents an early example of American precision engineering applied to luxury smoking accessories.
Combining elegant Art Deco aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship and technical ingenuity, this remarkable lighter is a highly collectible example of early American silverwork. Its rarity, historical significance, and outstanding quality make it a desirable acquisition for collectors of vintage lighters, sterling silver objects, and twentieth-century decorative arts.
Country: Rhode Island, United States.
Period: Art deco, 1927.
Manufacturer: Foster & Bailey Company.
Materials: Sterling silver, guilloche colored glass enamel and black hard enamel
Mechanism: Lift arm, with levered flint wheel.
Weight: 52.3 Grams, (33.54 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 39 mm by L. 38 mm by D. 14 MM (1.54 x 1.50 x 0.55 Inches).
Hallmarks: This Foster & Bailey lighter is stamped in the base with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver and signed as follows, "F&S STERLING PAT APP FOR FCN CO.”
Foster & Bailey
This was one of America's most respected manufacturing jewelers and silversmiths, established in Providence, Rhode Island, during the late nineteenth century. The firm's origins date to 1873, when it began as White & Foster, before being reorganized in 1878 by Theodore W. Foster and Samuel H. Bailey under the name Foster & Bailey. The company quickly earned a reputation for producing finely crafted sterling silver novelties, vanity accessories, jewelry, and luxury personal objects distinguished by their exceptional quality and refined workmanship. Working during the height of the American Aesthetic and later the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, Foster & Bailey became renowned for its precision silversmithing, elegant engine-turned decoration, and richly colored guilloché enamel. Its products, bearing the distinctive F&B flag hallmark, reflected the highest standards of American craftsmanship and were widely admired for their sophisticated design and meticulous finishing. In 1898, the partnership was reorganized as Theodore W. Foster & Bros. Co., which continued to manufacture luxury sterling silver objects while retaining the celebrated F&B hallmark for decades afterward, using it until 1951. Today, pieces bearing the Foster & Bailey mark are highly prized by collectors for their historical importance, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring contribution to the history of American silver and decorative arts.
Note: This Foster & Bailey 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 Foster & Bailey lighter is beautiful. 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 lighter was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D072028ONNJ/1.550
