RONSON 1926 Banjo De-Light Art-Deco Desk Petrol Lighter In Silver Plate & Leather
"Banjo De-Light" desk petrol lighter designed by Louis V, Aronson for Ronson.
This is a fine and highly collectible Ronson "Banjo De-Light" table petrol lighter, manufactured in Newark, New Jersey, by The Art Metal Works for the Ronson Company, circa 1926, during the height of the American Art Deco period. The lighter is elegantly constructed in silver-plated brass in a squared base, creating a sleek and architectural silhouette. Its case is embellished with black leather, both sides.
The mechanism incorporates a distinctive second thumb push-button, contributing to the lighter’s convenient operation and reflecting the innovative approach to one-hand ignition that became a hallmark of Ronson table lighters during the late 1920s. The Ronson “De-Light” series represents an important chapter in the history of American mechanical lighters. Produced by Art Metal Works in Newark, these sophisticated table accessories were among the innovative designs that established Ronson as one of the leading American lighter manufacturers during the Art Deco era. The present example remains in excellent condition and fully operational, retaining its crisp decoration, elegant proportions, and original period character. The model is documented in the Ronson reference book by Urban K. Cummings, further enhancing its historical and collectible significance.
A superb example of American Art Deco industrial design, combining a sleek architectural form, masculine character, ingenious mechanics, and exceptional visual appeal. An elegant desk accessory and a wonderful conversation piece, particularly desirable for serious collectors of Ronson lighters and American Art Deco objects.
Country: New Jersey, United States.
Designer: Louis Vincent Aronson.
Company: Ronson Art Metal Co.
Manufacturer: Art Metal Works.
Model: Ronson Banjo De-Light.
Year: Art-Deco, 1926.
Material: Silver-plated brass, steel and black leather.
Non Monogramed: No.
Weight: 148.4 Grams, (0.15 Kg.).
Measurements: H. 115 mm by L. 68 mm by D. 41 mm (4.51 x 2.68 x 1.61 Inches).
Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the patent and signed, "RONSON TABLE LIGHTER ART METAL WORKS NEWARK N.Y USA".
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.
Patent: Utility Patent US December 31, 1918, number 1,673,727. Original and first filed on October 16, 1926
Literature: Urban K. Cummings, Ronson, the World's Greatest Lighter: Wick Lighters 1913-1966 Bird Dog Books, California. 1992. Figure 236 Page 236. For this model illustrated.
Note: This Ronson Banjo De-Light 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 Ronson Banjo De-Light desk lighter is exceptional, in near mint condition with no damage at any parts. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D081026SENK/.7723
