Lighter
MakerPorcelain made by
The Hartford Faience Co.
(founded 1895)
MakerLighter made by
Evans Case Co.
(American, 1922 - 1960)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
George Douglas Rankin Jr.
(American)
Dateabout 1960
MediumMold-formed porcelain with a brown glaze, leather, gilding, and cast brass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 3 5/8 x 2 1/2in. (9.2 x 6.4cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Margaret Rankin
Object number1986.160.39
DescriptionRound lighter consisting of a holder made of porcelain with an opaque brown glaze and a lighting mechanism made of brass. The holder is a round, hollow, porcelain column with horizontally ribbed sides. The brass lighter fits snugly inside the porcelain column. The lighter has a sleek, shell-shaped handle, which, when pressed down, caused the lighter mechanism to lift up and produce a flame. The underside of the brass lighter has two screws, intended to enable the owner to refill the fluid. One of those screws is labeled "EVANS/ FUEL". The bottom of the porcelain has an attached portion of a circular, leather piece with a stamped and gilded advertisement for the Hartford Faience Company.
There is a minor amount of dirt on the brass lighter. Portions of the leather advertisement on the bottom of the porcelain have fallen off.
NotesHistorical Note: George Douglas Rankin, the donor's father, was the President of the Hartford Faience Company in Hartford, Connecticut.There is a minor amount of dirt on the brass lighter. Portions of the leather advertisement on the bottom of the porcelain have fallen off.
Historical Note: This is said to have been made from molds taken of the doorknobs at Trinity College.
Status
Not on view
