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s Art Deco Post War German Touch Tip Desk Lighter, Red
Black
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Fabulous 1940
s Art Deco Post War German Touch Tip Desk Lighter, Red
Black
$550
£418.81
€482.25
CA$779.40
A$838.35
CHF 448.04
MX$9,881.81
NOK 5,648.75
SEK 5,164.03
DKK 3,603.24
About the Item
This fabulous 1940s post-war German Art Deco touch-tip desk lighter is a striking example of late Art Deco industrial design from West Germany, combining architectural form, mechanical ingenuity, and bold graphic color. Rendered in a dramatic red and black palette, this desktop lighter is both visually commanding and satisfyingly tactile.
Despite being easily lifted with one hand, the lighter has a solid, weighty presence, giving it the gravitas expected of a true executive desk accessory. The design features a highly polished metal rectangular cube set atop a matching polished metal base, its crisp geometry recalling the architectural language of late Art Deco and early modernist design. The sharp rectangular form is beautifully enhanced by a stunning red and black painted finish, applied with clean, precise lines that emphasize its strong linear form.
Designed for theatrical yet discreet functionality, the lighter operates via a touch-tip lift mechanism: when raised from the desk, the lighting mechanism is automatically exposed and ready for use; a gentle press returns it to its resting position, neatly tucking the mechanism away and extinguishing the flame. This elegant interaction made touch-tip lighters a favorite of mid-century designers and professionals alike.
The lighter is marked “Augusta-Patent D.B.P. Angem., Applic. pend. round the world. Made in West Germany”, visible on the lower side when the mechanism is raised. The D.B.P. Angem. designation indicates a German patent applied for, underscoring the innovative design and mechanical originality of the piece.
As with all lighters we sell, this example is devoid of lighter fluid, has not been tested for ignition, and has not been inventoried for internal parts. The opening and closing mechanism functions properly. The painted surface appears to have been expertly restored, with crisp edges and clean lines, showing only minor wear consistent with age. The metal components are in very good condition, exhibiting only slight patina upon close inspection.
Desktop lighters rose in popularity during the early to mid-20th century as smoking became embedded in professional and social life. Well-designed desk lighters were considered symbols of refinement and status, often crafted with the same care as fine clocks or writing instruments.
Following World War II, West German decorative and functional accessories experienced a renaissance, blending pre-war Art Deco influences with modernist restraint and advanced manufacturing techniques. West German metalwork from this period is now increasingly collectible for its precision engineering, thoughtful design, and understated luxury.
This piece reflects the late Art Deco aesthetic in Germany, where bold geometry, saturated color, and architectural form persisted into the 1940s, bridging the gap between classic Art Deco and early mid-century modern design.
Highly decorative and mechanically engaging, this Augusta desk lighter is a standout example of:
Post-war West German design
Late Art Deco desk accessories
Mid-century industrial luxury objects
Vintage desktop lighters and smoker’s accessories
An elegant and evocative object, ideal for collectors of Art Deco, Bauhaus-influenced design, West German metalwork, and vintage executive desk objects.
- Dimensions:Height: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 1.63 in (4.15 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940 s
- Condition:Additions or alterations made to the original: The paint appears to be expertly restored. Wear consistent with age and use. Professional restoration to paint. Slight wear to paint. Very minor patina to edges of the metal base upon close inspection.
- Seller Location:Red Lion, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10258248036742
About the Seller
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