Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
Regency, Gothic Chinoiserie style, makers mark FOSTER & WEST/BROAD ST CITY/PATENT
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This ingenious self-igniting catalytic lamp invented by Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner in 1823, came to market more as a luxury scientific magical novelty than serious commercial competition to tinder, flint and steel.
A stream of hydrogen, generated in the Kipps type apparatus issues from the mouth of the little Chinese Pagoda figure when his extinguisher is raised.
The gas is directed to the small mass of spongy platinum hanging from the thin platinum wire.
The platinum catalyses with the hydrogen generating such heat that the fine platinum is raised to a red heat and ignites the stream of gas.
Dark, patinated bronzed brass, architectural column with Gothic arches and stiff leaf edged cover mounted with a Chinese figure with movable arms.
Replaced glass vessel, missing internal glass cone, zinc and acid.
Height 8,1/4" or 21cm, weight 929 grams.
All in excellent condition with good original finish throughout, noting one flower on the base collar has been re fitted.
A rare piece, two similar examples can be found in the London Science Museum and the History of Science Museum Oxford.
Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
Works of art, collectables, scientific and decorative antiques from the 17th - 20th century
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Andrew Nethercott Antiques Profile Page
Döbereiner's Lamp Lighter Regency Chinoiserie Gothic Bronze Brass
