Candle
Object number2013.37.1 a-d
Manufacturer
WearEver, subsidiary of ALCOA, Inc.
Date1963
OriginNew Kensington, PA
MediumAluminum, paint, rubber, cardboard
Credit LineGift of Anne Connor
DescriptionWhite, metal candlesticks with bent, metal rod sticking out of the top. Ridged rubber around the base.Dimensionsa) 15.75" H, 1.25" diam.b) 15.75" H, 1.25" diam.
c) 16.00" L, 2.00" W, 1.00" H
d) 19.50" L (with top flap open), 4.125" W, 3.25" H
Marks(c)
On the front reads: "Wear-Ever GAS-LITE CANDLES / TWO 15" CANDLES / U.S. PAT. NO. 3,165,909".
(d)
Front reads: "WEAR... / gas... / CANDLES / TWO 15" CANDLES / ONE CAN LP GAS FUEL / WEAR-EVER ALUMINUM, INC. / Fifth Ave. and 11th Street / New Kensington, Pa."
Historical NotesWear-Ever Gas-Lite candles. In the early years of the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, the founders sought new markets for aluminum and found great success in their cooking utensil line. In 1901, The Aluminum Cooking Utensil Company, Inc. (TACU) was created as a subsidiary company to market aluminum cooking utensils. The products were sold door to door primarily by college students. The name Wear-Ever, Inc., was adopted in 1903 with manufacturing and administration located in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Wear-Ever created the first widely accepted and available aluminum based consumer products of the time. They exhibited hotel-ware and household utensils at the St. Louis World's Fair. Alcoa sought new market opportunities. The success of Chase Brass & Copper Company's giftware lines inspired Alcoa to expand their own product line beyond utilitarian cookware. These gas candles were most likely part of this expansion into non-utilitarian cookware.
Related institution
Aluminum Company of America
(1907 - 1998)
On View
Not on view
1900-1920
1920-1990
Weishar Enterprises