Lighter

MakerPorcelain holder made by The Hartford Faience Co. founded 1895

MakerBrass lighter made by Evans Case Co. American, 1922 - 1960

Original OwnerProbably originally owned by the Rankin family American

Dateabout 1955

MediumMold-formed porcelain with brown glaze, leather, and cast brass

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter x height .a, porcelain lighter): 1 3/4 x 2 1/2in. (4.4 x 6.4cm)
Primary Dimensions (diameter x height .b, lighter mechanism): 1 1/2 x 1 3/4in. (3.8 x 4.4cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of Margaret Rankin

DescriptionRound lighter consisting of a holder (.a) made of porcelain with an opaque brown glaze and a lighting mechanism made of brass (.b). The holder is a cylindrical, porcelain column with horizontally ribbed sides. The brass lighter fits snugly inside the holder, but separates from the holder as well. The lighter has a sleek, ribbed 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". A ring-shaped piece of maroon leather is adhered to the bottom of the holder. The top of the lighter is lightly tarnished and slightly dirty.

Object number1988.115.20a-b

MarkingsThe underside of the brass lighter has two screws, one of which is stamped, "EVANS/ FUEL".NotesHistorical Note: George Douglas Rankin, the donor's father, was the President of the Hartford Faience Company in Hartford, Connecticut.

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