LE CUISTOT 1905 French Wall Semiautomatic Push Button Lighter In Polished Bronze
A French semiautomatic wall petrol lighter, "Le Cuistot".
This is an exceptional and highly unusual antique French wall-mounted petrol lighter, known as “Le Cuistot,” meaning “the cook” in French. Made in France and patented around 1905 and 1922 by Gabriel Chrétien, this remarkable semi-automatic lighter was designed for professional kitchens, where it could be permanently mounted to a wall and provide a convenient, reliable flame for lighting stoves and other cooking fires. Executed in a substantial solid polished bronze with a distinctive square form, the lighter combines robust construction with an unusually decorative appearance. Its ingenious semi-automatic push-button ignition system incorporates a rare mechanical flint arrangement and a removable torch, allowing the flame to be used away from the wall-mounted body.
Manufactured by Chrétien & Cie., the lighter represents an inventive early solution to everyday fire-starting, eliminating the need for matches in busy commercial kitchens and sculleries. Its heavy bronze construction and mechanical sophistication are characteristic of high-quality French utilitarian objects of the early 20th century. This example is fully signed, cleaned and serviced, and remains in working condition, with all original parts intact. Its excellent preservation, unusual wall-mounted format, and distinctive mechanical system make it an especially rare survivor. A fascinating piece of French antique kitchenalia, tobacciana, and early mechanical design, Le Cuistot is much more than a lighter—it is a remarkable historical object and a true conversation piece for collectors of antique lighters, French industrial design, and unusual culinary or professional equipment.
Country: Paris, France.
Period: Early 1905-10.
Manufacturer: Gabriel Chrétien & Cie
Model: Le Cuistot manual push-button wall-petrol lighter.
Shape: Industrial squared.
Materials: Mostly polished bronze and some parts in steel
Weight: 150.2 Grams, (0.16 Kg).
Measurements: H. 241.30 mm by Diameter 133.4 mm, (9.5 x 5.25 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follows, "LE CUISTOT BREVETE SGDG FRANCE-ETRANGER".
Note: This "Le Cuistot" desk lighter by Gabriel Chrétien & Cie 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 "Le Cuistot" wall lighter is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage 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: D081426EENH/.4519
