GERLACH BARKLOW & CO. Capitol Industrial 1912 Desk Petrol Lighter In Bronze
Industrial Capitol desk petrol-lighter designed by Gerlach Barklow Company.
This is a rare and highly collectible American mechanical table lighter, manufactured for Gerlach-Barklow Co. of Joliet, Illinois, one of the largest American calendar and advertising companies of the early 20th century. Unlike the standard examples marked “Capitol Lighter,” this unusual advertising version is distinctly marked “G.B. Co. Joliet ILL.”, identifying it as a special production made for Gerlach-Barklow. The lighter belongs to the celebrated Capitol Lighter family, originally manufactured in the United States between approximately 1927 and 1931 by the Steele & Johnson Manufacturing Co. of Waterbury, Connecticut. It is renowned among collectors for its extraordinary exposed mechanical construction, with an articulated system of levers, springs, gears, and a flint wheel that operates in a manner reminiscent of a miniature industrial machine. The ingenious mechanism is activated by pressing the side lever, which simultaneously operates the lifting arm and rotates the flint wheel to produce the spark. The body was typically manufactured in brass or bronze, with a cylindrical or bottle-shaped form mounted upon a circular base. Standard examples are distinguished by a top plate depicting the United States Capitol dome and bearing the inscription “CAPITOL LIGHTER.”
The mechanism itself has an interesting European origin. Its underlying design was invented and patented in Austria by Josef Kluss in 1925, before being adapted and manufactured for the American market. Some examples also bear the date “Sept. 12, 1912” on the lever, associated with an earlier American patent by George S. Eldred that was subsequently incorporated into the commercialization of the friction mechanism.
The Gerlach-Barklow Co. advertising version is particularly desirable because of its unusual corporate marking and rarity compared with conventionally marked Capitol lighters. It represents a fascinating combination of American advertising history, mechanical ingenuity, and early 20th-century industrial design.
A superb and highly collectible example of an American mechanical advertising lighter, particularly appealing to collectors of vintage lighters, advertising memorabilia, mechanical objects, and early American industrial design.
Country: Joliet, Illinois, United States.
Period: Art-deco, 1912.
Weight: 85.6 Grams, (0.086 Kg.).
Materials: Steel, iron and patinated brass.
Model: Industrial desk petrol lighter.
Measurements: H. 114 mm by L. 75 mm by D. 30 mm, (4.5 x 2.95 x 1.18 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follow, "G.B.Co JOLIET, ILL.".
Note: This Gerlach Barklow Company Capitol table lighter is totally 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 Gerlach Barklow Company Capitol table lighter is excellent. Beside the wear at the enamel there is no damage to any part. All parts are secured in the setting and in working condition. This lighter was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D080826STEK/.0036
