Featured in this lot is this Matthews & Willard model M&W 97 kerosene bike lamp from 1899. The Matthews and Willard Mfg. Co. of Waterbury, Connecticut, was established on April 8, 1890, to replace the corporation of the same name, which went bankrupt in 1888. The company was founded in 1814 by Henry A. Matthews, who began manufacturing saddlery, harness, and carriage trimmings. The company underwent several adjustments before rebranding as Matthews & Willard Manufacturing Company in 1882. In 1880, the company expanded its product line to include stove ornaments in brass and bronze, brass furniture, statuettes, and other specialties. M&W made both kerosene and acetylene bicycle lamps. The M&W 97, M&W 98, and The Star Lancaster, all of which ran on oil, were debuted in 1899. This M&W 97 model features its original bike bar connector and original deep red jewels on both sides. The bottom is marked reading, "The Matthews & Willard MFG Co. / Waterbury, Conn. / Patents Pending / M&W 97". The bottom can be taken off to refill the original kerosene / oil compartment and replace the wick if needed. The top heat disperser is missing. the front glass is intact and shows no cracks or breaks. The lamp shows good condition overall with wear present from its age and use but no major signs of damage noted. Slight oxidization present on suspension springs of the bike bar connector. It measures 5 3/4" L x 4 1/8" W x 5 1/2" H and weighs 14 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona.