Gerardo Machado's presidential lighter
Ordered to celebrate the construction of the Capitolio.
As Havana's most famous monument, El Capitolio, is just completing its restoration to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the capital of Cuba, let's take a look at the man who commissioned it: Gerardo Machado.
Gerardo Machado was a General in the Cuban War of Independence and became the 5th President of the Republic of Cuba in 1925. During this time, he took advantage of the resurgence of nationalism and, thanks to the support of outgoing President Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso, he enjoyed great popularity and gained the support of the main political parties.
His first term in office coincided with a period of prosperity linked to the production and export of sugar. In the 20th century, Cuba was the world's leading exporter of sugar. Consequently, Gerardo Machado launched an ambitious program of public works. His ambition was to make Cuba the "Switzerland of the Americas". Among the public works carried out during Machado's administration, the most memorable was the Carretera Central, a 1,250 km long road crossing the island of Cuba and not forgetting the symbol of Havana: El Capitolio Nacional de La Habana.
Work on the Capitol began in 1926, one year after Gerardo Machado came to power. The Cuban treasury had grown with extreme capital from the production and exportation of sugar.
Representing both the glorious past and the bright future of this Caribbean island, this majestic and beautiful masterpiece of neo-classical architecture leaves no room for the imagination. The elaborate interiors consisted of beautiful lavish chandeliers, elegant golden lamps, opulent bronze statues, precious wood finishes and magnificent marble floors; recalling the great imperial palaces of Europe. Inspired by the Pantheon in Paris and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Capitol's dome rises 92 meters above Havana and at the time of its completion it was the third-highest in the world.
To symbolize the beginning of the construction of this palace, the War General ordered a lighter in the shape of a bullet, reminiscent of the one in the shape of a shell offered by President San Martín to his Excellency Sr. Winston Churchill in 1946.
On the lighter we can read the inscription "Psdte República de Cuba 1927", engraved below the coat of arms of Cuba. The latter is topped by a crown of flowers in the style of the one that adorns the inner dome of the Capitolio. It was used to light-up all presidents and their special guests's cigars until Fidel Castro.
The lighter itself can be dismantled into two parts and stored in its case. The ignition is done with a knurl and a stone. The action makes it possible to light the wick which is dipped in a tank.
To learn more about the history of Gerardo Machado, we would be delighted to welcome you to the Cultural Area, where you will find exclusive pieces and personal objects that belonged to him, such as his presidential lighter, his humidor or his passport, as well as original photos of the time.
(Pieces from our private collection)
For more information, contact us on +41 22 552 2799