LE PRATIQUE 1930 French Desk Petrol Lighter With Complicate Mechanism In Steel
French key-ignition table desk petrol lighter, "Le Pratique".
This is a highly unusual and exceptionally decorative French table-desk petrol lighter, known as “Le Pratique,” dating from the 1920s–1930s, before the Second World War. Designed in the form of a champagne bottle, the lighter stands on an elegant round fluted base and combines playful novelty design with sophisticated French industrial craftsmanship. Constructed in plated steel, with components in bronze and an iron ignition wheel, this remarkable lighter incorporates an ingenious mechanical system composed of several interconnected toothed wheels. Rather than a conventional thumb-wheel mechanism, it is operated by a distinctive turn-key ignition, accompanied by a small chain, hinged lid, and retractable pole.
Turning the integrated key activates the internal mechanism, causing the ignition wheel to engage the flint and produce the spark necessary to ignite the petrol-soaked wick. The lid can then be released to extinguish the flame by covering the burner. This unusual mechanical arrangement is a particularly fine example of the inventive engineering and playful industrial design associated with French lighters of the interwar period.
The lighter remains in excellent condition and is fully functional, retaining its original mechanical character and decorative appeal. Its sculptural champagne-bottle form, fluted base, exposed mechanical components, and unusual key-operated ignition give it exceptional visual presence. A very rare and highly collectible French industrial-design object, this “Le Pratique” is an outstanding example for collectors of Art Deco, vintage mechanical lighters, French industrial design, and decorative smoking accessories. Both functional and sculptural, it is a gorgeous conversation piece with remarkable eye appeal and a wonderful expression of the inventive spirit of pre-war French design.
Le Pratique lighter
The exact designer or engineer behind the "Le Pratique" lighter remains anonymous to history, as was common for many commercial utility items manufactured in Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. Instead of bearing the name of a specific, famous designer, it was introduced under the "Le Pratique" brand name in France. The design is credited broadly to the French mechanical engineers and manufacturers who held the factory patents for its unique turn-key mechanism during the Art Deco era. A small patent number (Brevet SGDG) stamped on the bottom or inside the casing, that number can sometimes be used to track down the original French patent filing and the individual inventor's name. The production peaked during the interwar period, specifically matching the height of the Art Deco movement in Europe. Most surviving models found by collectors today date precisely to the early 1930s. Production of this specific mechanical design largely ceased around the onset of World War II due to material shortages and shifts in manufacturing
Country: Paris, France.
Period: Art-deco, industrial, 1930.
Model: Manual key-winding table-desk lighter.
Shape: Bottle shaped, with exposed industrial mechanism.
Materials: Steel, iron, brass and plating.
Weight: 85.80 Grams, (0.09 Kg).
Measurements: H. 100 mm by Diameter 35 mm, (3.94 x 1.38 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follows, "LE PRATIQUE BTE. SGDG".
Note: This Le Pratique 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 Le Pratique 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: D081326SNNH/.4309
