Ronson 1935 PikaCig Magic Penguin Cigarette Dispenser Desk Box With Lighter
Art deco magic penguin mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson.
An extremely rare and very decorative mechanical desk box, created in the city of Newark, New Jersey United States by The Ronson Metal Works Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1930. This is the iconic mechanical Pik-a-Cig Penguin box designed and patented by Louis V. Aronson, with geometric and machine age patterns.
It was crafted with parts made up in solid patinated bronze for the penguin and chromed steel for the rest. It is embellished with a square knob to lid on gunmetal base with black, burgundy and white enamel, creating a great contrast to the brilliant steel and the interiors are finished with round brushed Fiorentine patterns.
The slide action mechanism reveals a tray with recess, monkey with one hand raised to pick up the cigarette. It is extremely well made with a solid construction and with very nice care and attention to all details. This surely is a very decorative collectors piece and a great conversation item.
Weight: 2,267 Grams, (5 Pounds).
Measurements: 20.32 cm x 12.7 cm x 13,46 cm (8 x 5 x 5.3 Inches).
Marks: The lighter is stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "FASHIONED BY RONSON NEWARK NJ RONSON TOUCH-TIP-US PATS 1.986.754-DESIGN PAT .97.247-BRITISH PAT APPL'D FOR-CANADA PAT 349.148 ART METAL WORKS INC-NEWARK NJ USA"
Patent: Louis V. Aronson, 1930-1935 Dispensing Mechanism Pat: 2,006,982.
The Ronson Lighter Company
The company started as The Art Metal Works in 1897 and was incorporated on July 20, 1898, by Max Hecht, Louis Vincent Aronson and Leopold Herzig, in Newark, New Jersey. Louis V. Aronson was a huge creative driving force for the company; and, with a few business adjustments, including the addition of Alexander Harris (1910–11) as Business Manager, the company soon became World Famous. In the 1910s The Art Metal Works were producing very good quality Hood Ornaments and gained a reputation as a dependable supplier of same. All accounts state that Louis Aronson was a gifted man, who at 16 years old set up a money-making shop in his parent's home - before receiving a U.S. patent for a commercially valuable metal-plating process he developed when he was 24 years old, and he sold half the rights while retaining the Right to Use. "His experiments, which he has been conducting since his early youth, resulted in 1893 in the discovery of a process for electrically producing tinplate. Much money was expended upon improving the process... and has been of great practical value to the whole industry. Retaining its rights, he sold half the patent rights, and later used part of the proceeds to open the Art Metal Works in Newark, N.J. Soon the company was producing a variety of high-quality Lamps, Book ends, Art Statues and other decorative items, prized today for their detail in the collector marketplace. 
Courtesy: The Lighter Library
Literature: Urban K. Cummings, Ronson, the World's Greatest Lighter : Wick Lighters 1913-1966 Bird Dog Books, California. 1992. For this exact model, see figure 124 Illustrated.
Note: This model was produced in several colors combination and finishes. Corresponding to the company's models 13184 and 13189, they were originally retailed back in time, between 10.00 and 20.85 dollars.
Note: This piece is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is very good. Beside the little normal wear, there is in superb condition with no damage to any part. The cream enamel show the normal crackelle.This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D070823MACA/.2231
