IGNITER PROJECT
The Few and the Many
Inspired by the classic identification charts we've all seen, like the posters featuring butterflies, mushrooms, birds, and native plants. So, why not the humble American spark plug?
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A century ago, the brand names seemed endless. Hundreds of manufacturers competed to build a better ignition system, each with its own designs, branding, and engineering philosophy. It was an era fueled by innovation, competition, and entrepreneurship.
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Over time, many of those names disappeared through consolidation and changing markets. What remains is a fascinating snapshot of American manufacturing during one of its most inventive periods.
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This series celebrates the few and the many, forgotten and familiar brands alike, preserving a small but significant piece of automotive history in a style any enthusiast can appreciate.
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Vintage and antique spark plugs are some of the most collectable pieces of American automobilia. Their simplicity, character, and history make them some of the most interesting things to study.
After researching and photographing each spark plug, I documented nearly 150 unique spark plugs. Manufacturers ranged from the aircraft industry, antique & vintage motorcycles, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Many brands, such as Splitdorf, Rentz, Champion, etc., were used universally.
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Sometimes the most interesting stories are told through the most humble ideas.
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Photography Process
A bare strobe was placed overhead to achieve the highest contrast, shadows, and detail in each image.
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Each plug was placed next to a 4-inch acrylic stand to guide measurement details.
Every spark plug was photographed in macro (extreme close-up) and individually edited to the finest detail. Every image is a blend of 4 to 6 individual photos, layered, and focus-stacked for maximum clarity.
Historical data was gathered from the manufacturer boxes, packaging, advertisements, or credible research.
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As one of the most patented items in American history, especially at the turn of the 20th century, the list of manufacturers seems endless! I'm excited to continue this project and add to this series!
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Printed
Aldor – Farmingdale, NY
Baysdorfer Affinity – Omaha, NE
Bethlehem – Bethlehem, PA
Blue Blaze – Cleveland, OH
Blue Crown – Chicago, IL
Charter – Chicago, IL
Disbrow, PA
E.C. Simmons – St. Louis, MO
Edison – NY, PA
Fan Flame – Yonkers, NY
Fisk – Chicopee Falls, MA
Firestone – Flint, MI
Hastings – Hastings, MI
Herz & Co – NY
Luthy – Jackson, MI
Majestic – Chicago, IL
Never Miss – Lansing, MI
New-way – Lansing, MI
National Tractor – Rockford, IL
Peerless – Cleveland, OH
Phillips 66 – Bartlesville, OK
Protecto Plug, Vital – Cleveland, OH
Reflex – Clevand, OH
Rajah Rajite – Bloomfield, NJ
Rentz – Atlanta, GA
Splitdorf – Newark, NJ
Sterling – Jackson, MI
Varcon - St. cloud, MN
Vital – Cleveland, OH​
Wizard – Kansas City, MO
Z.W.P. – Des Moines, IA
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