STRIKALITE 1935 Industrial Desk Petrol Lighter In Steel & Green Bakelite Plaskon
A desk petrol lighter designed by Stricalite Inc.
This is a rare and highly appealing Stricalite American Art Deco petrol lighter, made in New York City circa 1935. Designed in the industrial style of the period, this colorful example is crafted in steel with striking green Bakelite-Plaskon elements, combining functionality with the bold geometric aesthetic characteristic of American Art Deco. The lighter features a semi-automatic mechanism operated by a pressure thumb, making it both practical and remarkably ergonomic. Its compact and colorful design reflects the ingenuity and streamlined industrial character of American lighters from the 1930s.
The lighter is in working condition, with no cracks to the Bakelite-Plaskon components. It requires a new flint and lighter fluid for regular use. A particularly attractive example for collectors of Art Deco, industrial design, and vintage American lighters, this piece has excellent visual presence and is a wonderful conversation piece. Its rare surviving condition, vivid green color, and distinctive period design make it an especially desirable example of the colorful and highly collectible lighter designs of the 1930s.
Strikalite lighters
They were novelty and volume-priced fire-starting devices founded and manufactured by Harvey Avedon, beginning in 1934 in New York and Providence, Rhode Island. The company became best known for its pocket “permanent match” striker units and distinctive table lighters, combining practical functionality with the colorful and inventive industrial designs of the period. Harvey Avedon launched Strikalite in 1934 and patented a popular pocket permanent-match and striker mechanism. Early models embraced the emerging use of colorful plastics, including Bakelite and Catalin, as well as lacquered vanity-tube designs, giving the lighters a distinctly modern and decorative appearance. Strikalite also produced semi-automatic table lighters, many inspired by European designs such as the Quercia Éclair. These models were manufactured in a variety of materials and finishes, including glass, wood, Lucite, and Plexiglas, with later examples associated with designs by K. Adler. The Strikalite brand remained in production until approximately 1942, when shortages of metals and other essential materials during World War II brought manufacturing to an end. Today, surviving Strikalite lighters are appreciated by collectors for their innovative mechanisms, colorful materials, distinctive industrial styling, and place in the history of American novelty lighter design.
Plaskon
Plaskon was developed in 1931 by engineer Arthur M. Howald and researcher Otis C. Bennett at the Toledo Scale Company in Ohio. They sought a lighter and more colorful material to replace the heavy iron and porcelain components used in weighing scales. By improving upon early urea-formaldehyde resin formulas, they developed a durable, moldable, cellulose-filled thermosetting plastic capable of being produced in vivid colors. Unlike the predominantly black, brown, and dark mottled colors associated with early Bakelite, Plaskon could be manufactured in bright white, pastel shades, red, blue, and green, making it particularly appealing for the colorful industrial and consumer designs of the 1930s and 1940s. It was used for radio cabinets, kitchen-scale housings, clock cases, buttons, decorative objects, and lighters. As a relatively brittle material, vintage Plaskon is susceptible to fine stress-line cracks, surface crazing, and other age-related deterioration. Consequently, well-preserved examples retaining their original color and surviving without cracks or crazing are especially desirable to collectors.
Country: New York City, United States
Period: Art-deco, industrial, 1935
Model: Table-desk semi-automatic.
Materials: Steel and green bakelite.
Manufacturer: Harvey Avedon Strikalite Ltd Inc.
Weight: 50.2 Grams, (0.051 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 82.6 mm by L. 34 mm by D. 22 mm (3.25 x 1.34 x 0.87 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follows, "STRIKALITE LTD INC N.Y. USA".
Note: This Stricalite 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 Stricalite 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: D080926VSEA/.7756
