remarkable c. 1910-20 original freestanding reinforced cast zinc metal "aladdin" oil lamp lighting store advertising display piece or trade sign. the rare and seldom found figural piece retains the original polychrome enameled finish with an allover crazed surface consistent with age. in 1908, victor johnson founded the mantle lamp company of america in chicago and imported the 'practicus" incandescent burner from germany. he obtained the aladdin trademark in 1908 and sold the first model of the american-made aladdin lamp in 1909. in 1926 johnson bought the lippincott glass factory in alexandria, indiana to make glass lamps, chimneys and shades, changing the name to aladdin industries. agents were recruited to sell lamps throughout the country and farm land. they demonstrated the aladdin and often left the lamp in the home for an overnight trial. the agent arranged for local merchants to stock supplies. in 1928 the company turned solely to franchise dealerssome 15,000 in the early 1930s. the company advertised extensively in newspapers and through radio. smilin ed mcconnell was so popular that he became the "aladdin lamp man." in 1949 the company moved their central office from chicago to nashville, tennessee, the home of aladdin industries' today. aladdin lamps were made in the usa until 1963, after which brass lamps were imported from england. only the glass lamps continued to be made in the usa. the aladdin lamp was developed through application of scientific principles: ami argand, 1750-1803, invented the principle of center draft whereby air is provided inside a tubular wick to the flame of a lamp. argand's "air lamps" became known as "argand lamps," which he first patented in england in 1784. dr. auer von welsbach, 1858-1929, an austrian chemist, invented the incandescent gas mantle in 1885, a huge improvement in the history of artificial lighting. the early technology of adapting the mantle to oil lamps was developed in germany. beginning in the early 1900s companies in the united states recognized the tremendous advantage of these improved lights. the aladdin lamp became the world-wide leader in non-pressure incandescent lamps during the next 50 years. the promotional or advertising piece was salvaged from an old hardware store that contained a lighting section heavily promoting aladdin lamps and accessories. measures 21 x 14 inches.