THORENS Swiss 1926 Art-Deco Design Square Single Claw Catalin Desk Petrol Lighter
The "Catalin" desk petrol-lighter designed by Thorens.
This is a rare and highly desirable Thorens desk lighter, manufactured in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, circa 1926, during the early Art Deco period. The lighter features a striking square base in black and red Catalin, complemented by a finely finished gilt-bronze mechanism, creating a sophisticated and colorful combination characteristic of the period. The lighter is equipped with Thorens’ distinctive single-claw mechanism, an ingenious and practical system reflecting the company’s reputation for innovative mechanical design. The exact model is documented and illustrated in the Thorens reference book on page 112, making it an important example for specialist collectors and researchers of early Thorens production.
The vibrant Catalin construction provides exceptional visual appeal and is particularly attractive to collectors of early plastics and Art Deco objects. Catalin was the trade name for a thermosetting phenol-formaldehyde resin developed and trademarked in 1927 by the Catalin Corporation of New York, following the expiration of the Bakelite patent. Unlike Bakelite, Catalin could be machined, carved, filed, and polished, allowing manufacturers to create richly colored and highly decorative objects.
This example remains in excellent condition, with superb color, attractive original surfaces, and outstanding period character. It is fully functional, tested, and professionally serviced. A particularly rare and colorful example of early Swiss Art Deco industrial design, combining innovative Thorens engineering, vibrant Catalin, gilt bronze, and exceptional rarity. A true collector’s piece and a must-have for the serious connoisseur of Thorens mechanical lighters and Art Deco design.
Country: Saint-Croix, Switzerland.
Period: Art-deco, 1926.
Weight: 166.2 Grams, (0.17 Kg.).
Materials: Gilt bronze, black and red Catalin.
Model: The square single claw model.
Measurements: H. 70 mm by L. 50 mm by D. 50 mm, (2.75 x 1.97 x 1.97 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follow, "THORENS".
The Thorens Company
The story of Thorens Lighters begins in 1883 when Hermann Thorens registered the Thorens family business in Ste-Croix, Vaud, Switzerland. Initially, the company crafted phonographs, music boxes, and lighters, setting the stage for a legacy of innovation. In 1919, Thorens filed its first lighter patent, introducing a series of original patented models that have since been showcased in various publications and museums. The 1919 Swiss Utility Patent marked the beginning of Thorens' commitment to excellence in lighter design. From 1883, Thorens' collaboration with distinguished partners and diverse clientele has been a cornerstone of its success. Swiss Thorens technicians and engineers have developed numerous innovative features and groundbreaking inventions. Between 1913 and 1964, Thorens produced over 5 million lighters, including the iconic "single-claw model." One of Thorens' most celebrated products is the button-operated "automatic lighter," a revolutionary design that helped cement Thorens' global reputation. The precision and quality of lighters manufactured by Hermann Thorens SA have delighted consumers and collectors for decades. In 2024, Swiss Thorens technicians have relaunched the Thorens lighter business, introducing a new line of meticulously refined "antique-style" lighters. These new models, crafted with the same dedication to quality and innovation, are available exclusively through the official Thorens. No retailers have been authorized, ensuring that every lighter comes directly from the original source.
Catalin
This is a brand name for a thermosetting polymer developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year. A phenol formaldehyde resin, it can be worked with files, grinders, and cutters, and polished to a fine sheen. Catalin is produced by a two-stage process, different from other types of phenolic resins, and does not contain fillers, such as sawdust or carbon black. Catalin is transparent, near colorless, rather than opaque. Unlike other phenolics, it can be produced in bright colors or even marbled. This fact has made Catalin more popular than other types of Bakelite for consumer products. Catalin is heavy, quite greasy in feel, and as hard as brass. It is heat resistant and does not soften under boiling water. Like Bakelite, it gives off a distinctive phenolic odor when heated and can be tested by rubbing the material on a cloth with a spot of Simi chrome Polish or Formula 409 cleaner, which will leave a characteristic light pink to yellow residue. Due to oxidation, older Catalin items darken in color; white discolors to yellow. This caused interesting effects in radio cabinets made from Catalin. Catalin radios were often made in stylish Art Deco designs and are sought after by collectors.
Literature: Rob Wilkinson-Christian Wenger-Yann Thorens-Ramzi Bader. Le Briquets Thorens, The Magnificent Lighters from Sainte-Croix. Bader Publishing Group 2022. for the round model illustrated. chapter-24 pages-112 ---- Olivier Ballet, Le Briquet Automatique a Essence De 1909-1961. Second edition 2019, for this model and mechanical illustrated.
Note: This Thorens Catalin Single claw 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 Thorens Catalin Single claw 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: D080826EETHP/.9978
