Description (Maker or Model A-Z)

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Abdulla: Made by Abdulla & Co. Ltd. in France ca. 1928 with London box. A popular automatic lighter with windshield and safety button. Beautiful eggshell lacquer decoration, made by a lacquer artist. Patented in England by Janvier Quercia in 1928.

Abdulla

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Abdulla: Made by Abdulla & Co. Ltd. in France ca. 1930. A popular automatic lighter with windshield and safety button. Beautiful embossed figural motive of FAMA, the Roman goddess of fame. Patented in England by Janvier Quercia in 1928.

Abdulla (2)

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(Super) Abdulla: Made by Abdulla & Co. Ltd. in France ca. 1930. Large table-model of the Abdulla lighter with windshield and safety button. Patented in England by Janvier Quercia in 1928.

Super Abdulla

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Adami: Made in Germany ca. 1922. Ingenious pull-lighter with gear rack and repeating wheel mechanism. Advertising with logo of Siemens Halske Werke in Berlin. Patented by August Adami in 1922 in Munich, Germany.

Adami

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Alair: Made by an unknown manufacturer in France ca. 1932. “Flip switch” like mechanism and fantastic windshield design. Patented in France by Gaston Marius Nuéjouls in 1932.

Alair (3)

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Alkomet: Made by an unknown manufacturer in Germany ca. 1906. A catalytic lighter, operating with Methanol and Platinum sponge and a semi-automatic mechanism (shown in patent drawing). Patented in Germany by Georg Salomonsohn in 1908. This model was made before the patent was granted to the inventor.

Alkomet

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Alluma: Made by Thorens in Switzerland ca. 1934. A “pull out” mechanism (shown in the other picture). This model impresses with a wonderful laquered lizzard finish. Marked: Patent applied for. Patented in Germany and Switzerland by Benno Löwenthal in 1934/35.

Alluma Lizzard

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Alluma Lady: Made by Thorens in Switzerland ca. 1934. A “pull out” mechanism (shown in the other picture). Apparently, this small model was aimed at ladies. Marked: Patent applied for. Patented in Germany and Switzerland by Benno Löwenthal in 1934/35.

Alluma Lady

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Always: Made by an unknown manufacturer probably in Germany ca. 1915.
A semi-automatic mechanism strikes the flint with a grater instead of a wheel (see other photo). Engraving of a Whisky producer.

Always

 

Amorce: A Later model of a semi-automatic cap lighter ca. 1895. Origin is likely to be
Germany. The ignition hammer is activated by the push button in combination with the opening of the lid. The cap tape is transported automatically. Very similar to the Fulmen Pinel from Belgium. Unusual embossed decorative pattern.

Amorce

 

Aristo: Made in Switzerland by an unknown manufacturer ca. 1950. It contains a very small music box (smaller than the usual) that is activated by pulling a small button.

Aristo

 

Asprey Wafer Lighter: A 9ct gold Lighter made by Asprey in London in 1958/59. The thin model is functionally equal to the German Wifeu but jeweller-quality. Registered Design 856727.

Asprey Wafer

 

Asprey Tank Lighter: An exceptional table lighter commissioned by Asprey, London ca. 1928. A fine example of Art Déco Design. Concealed wick and clever but simple mechanism. Contains a large petrol tank in the base. Patent applied for.

Asprey Tank Lighter

 

Bedford CFI:  Made by the Bedford Engineering Company in Walton on Thames ca. 1950. CFI means Compressed Fuel Ignition. The earliest Butane Gas lighter using an automatic mechanism. Patents pending.

Bedford CFI

 

Bell Lighter: An unusual pocket lighter, made by Bell in England ca. 1940. The lid swings open when the wheel is activated. Cathaline faces with engraved advertising of a radio station. Patended by Bilde (Sweden) in Germany in 1931.

Bell Lighter

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Bendit: Made in Germany ca. 1924. An unusual torch-lighter with a sharp steel-collar that strikes the flint when pulled. To put it in again, a push lever unlocks the way. Patented by Justus Bendit in 1921/24 in Germany.

Bendit

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Beney Lighter: A very unusual storm lighter by Beney, England ca. 1926. Lid and windguard can be opened seperately. Patented by Ernest Robert Beney in 1926.

Beney Lighter

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Bengali: A highly attractive lighter, made in Switzerland ca. 1930. It reminds one of a Thorens with a reverse mechanism. Patented in 1929 by the Swiss Pierre and Edouard Gloor in France.

Bengali

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Berli Electric: Made by C.E. Marshall in Wolverhampton, England ca. 1940. Electro-catalyst lighter, combining the catalytic reaction of methanol and platinum sponge with electric ingnition (platinum filament and battery. An electric pocket lighter that uses a lot less electric energy. Unique.

Berli Electric

 

Bettini: A highly unusual automatic lift-arm lighter, made by the Bettini Lighter Corporation in New York ca. 1930. The wheel is activated by a spring loaded lever also activating a spring loaded lift arm. An Advertising model for General Electric. The company disappeared in 1932. Patented by Gianni Bettini in 3 countries between 1926 and 1930.

Bettini

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Bracelet Lighter: A highly unusual automatic bracelet lighter, made in France ca. 1945. The lid opens by activating a lever and a spark is produced when the same lever is released. Patented by Bruno Maggioni and Guy Sentes in France 1945. A one of a kind concept that found little acceptance by consumers.

Bracelet Lighter

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Briquet Bisson: A great Art Déco “pull out” strike lighter, made by Fernand Bisson in France ca. 1922. Patented by Fernand Bisson in 1921 and following years in France, Germany and Switzerland. The lighter is simple and effective.

Briquet Bisson

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Briquet Chic: A great Art Déco “pull out” strike lighter, made by Esther in France ca. 1925. Patented by Fernand Bisson in 1921 and following years in France, Germany and Switzerland. The Chic is an upmarket version of the Briquet Bisson. it was made in a stunning variety of high quality metals and enamels.

Briquet Chic

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Briquet Konrad: A high quality “squeeze action” lighter, made by Hermann Konrad S.A. in Moutier, Switzerland ca. 1935. This lighter was copied or licenced by other manufacturers like Totem. Patented by Hermann Konrad in 1933.

Briquet Konrad

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Briquet Parisien: A great early model of the famous FLAMIDOR brand. Manufactured by a French company named Husson and then owned by the Quercia Group. Made ca. 1915, these wafer-thin lighters were made in 2 sizes. These are beautiful versions in silver/enamel and silver/gold. Original box and specification. Patented in Switzerland by Edouard Husson
in 1911.

Briquet Parisien

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Bruma: Made by Bruckmann in Germany. Unusual windguard with lizzard. Platinum plating and finely engine turned in mint condition. Patented by Ludwig Bruckmann in 1927

Bruma

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Camlighter: Made by Camm in England ca. 1948, this lighter was an alternative to the Ronson “one motion” lighters. The mechanism is unique with a wheel transport that doesn’t need a clutch spring. Patented by Frederick James Camm in 1948.

Camlighter

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Carlton Automatic: Made by US manufacturer KUM-A-PART ca. 1930. A very simple but reliable lighter with an unusual design. It is semi-automatic but has very few parts. US Design Patent from Arthur Bates 1928.

Carlton

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Carlton Automatic Lighter: Made by US manufacturer KUM-A-PART ca. 1930.
A complicated “one motion” mechanism and a striking Art Déco Design. Marked “patent pending”.

Carlton

 

Cartier: A beautiful early Cartier lighter, made in France ca. 1926 for the American market. Sterling silver, engine turned with monograms. The slotted fuel screw (for coin) was not available on European models.

Cartier

 

Cartier: A later Cartier model, made in France ca. 1955 with a thumb roller. Reeded design in silver and gold.

Cartier

 

Celtic: Made in France ca. 1930, this model looks quite like the Abdulla table lighter.

Celtic

 

Certus: Not attractive but practical. Made in Germany ca. 1950. The lid opens when the roller is pushed (and twisted). Very similar to the Erlac and the Mercedes model. Simple and reliable.

Certus

 

Cesa: An elegant lighter made by Cesa S.A. Geneva ca. 1948. The spark is produced with a striker disk. Patented in Switzerland by Albert Christen in 1947.

Cesa

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Champion: Made in Germany by Mueller & Gruenstein around 1930. A lift arm lighter using 2 gearwheels for operation (check the other picture). Patented by Louis Mueller and Martin Gruenstein in 1930 (Germany) and 1931 (England).

Champion

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Charles Lighter: Made in England ca. 1950, the Charles Lighter has an extremeley complicated mechanism. The flint rotates while grinded by the friction wheel. Also interesting is the revolving magazine for spare flints. A fine example of complete
over-engineering. Made only during a short period. Patented by Meyer Maximilian Levene in 1949.

Charles Lighter

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Cito: Made by Georg Eisenhofer & Co, Munich, Germany ca. 1922, the Cito is a unique “pull out” lighter, using 4 steel-springs within a sleeve-shaped flint, to create a spark. The flint is in the lid and the friction springs are in the body. Patented in France in 1923 by Bing KG.

Cito

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Clark Automatic: Made by W.G. Clark & Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1932. A “one motion” lighter with a very simple, unusual and decorative mechanism. Patented by Clark and Rogers in 1932 (USA).

Clark Automatic

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Clark De Luxe: Made by W.G. Clark & Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1931. A “one motion” lighter with an unusual mechanism (similar to the Firefly Automatic).
Marked “pats. pending”. Patented by James F. Rogers in 1932.

Clark DeLuxe

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Clark Firefly Automatic: Made by W.G. Clark & Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1930. A “one motion” lighter with an very unusual slide mechanism . Marked “pats. pending”. Patented by James F. Rogers in 1932.

Clark Firefly Automatic

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(The) Clark Lighter: Made by W.G. Clark & Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1927. A nicely designed lift-arm lighter with a masonic emblem. Patented by Edward F. Clark in 1926.

Clark Lighter

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Clark (or Pollak) Swingarm Lighter: Made by W.G. Clark & Co. Attleborough, USA or by Pollak ca. 1930. Unusual  swing-arm fitting. Patented by Abraham Pollak in 1930 assigned to Clark.

Clark Swing Arm

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Clark “The Petite”: Made by W.G. Clark & Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1930. A lovely lift-arm lighter with beautiful enamel work. Patented by Edward F. Clark in 1926.

Clark The Petite

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Classic Jumbo: A very heavy lift-arm table lighter with a horizontal friction wheel and thumb wheel. Produced by Adie Brothers Ltd., Birmingham, England ca. 1935. Patented by the Clark Brothers in 1928.

Classic Jumbo

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(The) Classic Lighter: A great lift arm lighter with a horizontal friction wheel and thumb wheel. Produced by Adie Brothers Ltd., Birmingham, England in 1929/30. Sterling Silver. Patented by the Clark Brothers in 1928.

Classic Lighter

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Clifton ACE: Produced or commissioned by the Clifton Luggage Company in Bristol, England, ca. 1933. A fancy “kick start” mechanism, similar to the Mosda and the Rolls Enfield. Provisional patent No 4791 (England).

Clifton ACE

 

Colby: Made by the Colby Lighter Corp., USA ca. 1947. An elegant “squeeze action” mechanism, presented by a company, owned by actor/singer Bing Crosby. The Colby was then massively promoted. Patented by A. Kolberg and J. Kohn in 1945/47.

Colby

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Colibri Elite: Made by Colibri in Switzerland
ca. 1940.  The Elite was developed from the Original-model of Colibri. It was unsuccessful due to quality problems and impractical handling. Today, this “kick start” lighter is a collector’s jewel. Patented by K.F. Projahn in 1929.

Colibri Elite

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Colibri Original: Made by Colibri in Switzerland ca. 1935.  This is the 2nd model of the Original with an improved mechanism. A splendid version with silver and niello decoration. Patented by K.F. Projahn in 1929.

Colibri Original

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Colibri Original: Made by Colibri in Switzerland ca. 1930.  This is the 1st model of the Original. Patented by K.F. Projahn in 1929.

Colibri Original

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Colibri Original Table: Made by Colibri in Switzerland ca. 1930.  This is the table lighter (1st model) of the Original. A long version with enlarged handle. Patented by K.F. Projahn in 1929.

Colibri Original Table Model

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Corfe: Named after the inventor. Made in England ca. 1918. This lighter has a
twist-windguard with the flame facing the smoker. Patented by Robert Corfe in 1918 at war end.

Corfe

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Cri Cri: Made by Le Puy in France ca. 1946. An electric spark inductor, activated by bridging the contacts with the wand (comprising wick and petrol tank). Made from bakelite and used mostly in public areas. Patent granted to
M.H. Pouchol in France in 1946.

Cri Cri

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D.O.x.: Made by Desarmeaux in France ca. 1932. A stunning table lighter with a
piston-driven “kick-start” mechanism. Patented in France by Louis-Marcel Desarmeaux in 1932.

D.O.x

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D.O.: Made by Desarmeaux in France ca. 1932. A stunning semi-automatic lighter with a
piston-driven mechanism. Patented in France by Louis-Marcel Desarmeaux in 1932.

D.O.

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Dangerfield - Igniting Match Case: Made by
S. Dangerfield Manufacturers, Auburn NY, USA,
ca. 1881. An automatic Match Vesta, producing and holding a lit match by moving the slide button. First patented in 1879 by Francis S. Dangerfield.

Dangerfield

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Demley Automatic: Made by Demley, USA ca. 1928. An beautiful and high quality
semi-automatic lighter with phantastic Art Déco decoration. Patented by Charles Rubsamen in 1930.

Demley Automatic

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Deniel’s: Made by Deniel in France, ca. 1923. A very interesting semi-automatic action. Patented by Emile Deniel in 1922/23.

Deniel's

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Deniel’s: Made by Deniel in France, ca. 1935. A very interesting semi-automatic action. Patented by Emile Deniel in 1934.

Deniel's

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Deniel’s: Made by Deniel in France, ca. 1935. A stunning semi-automatic action, driven by a piston (see other picture). Patented by Emile Deniel in 1934.

Deniel's

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Deniel’s: Made by Deniel in France, ca. 1930. A simple mechanism very similar to the US Netop models. Patented by Emile Deniel in 1928.

Deniel's

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Doebereiner Lamp: This is a 20th century reproduction of a catalytic hydrogene lighting machine, invented by Doebereiner in the early 19th century. This model was most likely used for educational purposes.

Doebereiner

 

Doebereiner Figural Valve: A 19th century part of a Doebereiner Lamp, a figural valve, to be activatet by lifting the arms of the figure, enabling hydrogene to flow towards a platinum sponge. A specimen of the complete lamp can be seen at the London Science Museum in the former Bryant & May collection of fire making devices.

Dobereiner Valve

 

Douglass Lighter: Made by Douglass,
Menlo Park, USA, ca. 1932. An extremely unusual model with simple but ingenious “flip switch” mechanism. Said to be the last model produced by Douglass and thus made in small numbers. Patented by Leon F. Douglass in 1928 and 1930. Click on photo for the design patent.

Douglass Lighter

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Douglass Silhouette: Made by Douglass,
Menlo Park, USA, ca. 1930. A beautiful black lacquered version, made for the French
market (Briquet Luxe-mark). Patented by Leon F. Douglass in 1926.

Douglass Silhouette

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Douglass Silhouette: Made by Douglass,
Menlo Park, USA, ca. 1930. This is the version with a windshield. Patented by Leon F. Douglass in 1926.

Douglass Silhouette Windshield

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Douglass Table Lighter: Made by Douglass,
Menlo Park, USA, ca. 1930. This is the table version with a larger actuator. A stunning Art Déco design. Patented by Leon F. Douglass in 1926.

Douglass Table Model

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Drago: Made by Drago in Paris (Rue de Olivier Métra) ca. 1947. Famous lighter with windshield. Enamelled emblem of a French police department.

Drago

 

Draeger: Made in Elgersburg (Germany) ca. 1935. Unusual complicated mechanism. Lovely backelite base. Patented by Franz Draeger in 1933 in Switzerland.

Draeger

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Dubsky Karat “Unigent”: Made by Dubsky Karat-Werke, Vienna, ca. 1935. A great
“one motion” lighter with a pull-out wand underneath the windshield (see other photo).
- Very practical to present a light or light a pipe. Patented in Austria and France in 1934/35 by Arthur Dubsky.

Dubsky Karat Unigent

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Dubsky Karat “Queenie”: Made by Dubsky Karat-Werke, Vienna, ca. 1929. A lovely
semi-automatic Lighter with a simple but reliable mechanism with a hand carved silver (900) sleeve. Patented in Austria in 1929 by Arthur Dubsky.

Dubsky Queenie

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Dubsky Karat “Revolt”: Made by Dubsky Karat-Werke, Vienna, ca. 1912. A great
semi-automatic Lighter with an unusual way to change the flint and a cavity for a portrait. Patented by Arthur Dubsky in Vienna 1910/12.

Revolt

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Ducat: Made by GIP in Paris ca. 1948. A very unusual and high quality 2nd generation catalytic lighter. It operates with Methanol and Platinum sponge. Interesting
slide-mechanism that provides the ignition part and opens the circulation of Methanol
gas. Patented in France in 1948 by
Jacques -Jean Baisse

Ducat

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Duflame: Made or commissioned by Duerr in Zurich, Switzerland ca. 1950. This table lighter produces 2 sparks for one wick in the centre. The 2 mechanisms are perfectly synchronised by turning the large ring beneath the platform. One of the most complex table lighters ever made. Patented by Duerr in England in 1950s (application in Switzerland in 1947).

Duflame

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Dunhill Auto Rollalite: Swiss made (by La Nationale) for Dunhill ca. 1945. Automatic opening of the cover when rotating the roller. Small version. US-patent by L. Bolle 1940. Various other patents.

Dunhill Auto Rollalite

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Dunhill Broadboy Standard: Made in England 1947/48. Early half cap version with thumb wheel. Sterling silver with reed designed surface. London hallmarks. Patented by Wise & Greenwood in 1935.

Dunhill Broadboy

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(Dunhill) Combo: Made in Switzerland ca. 1929. Sold by Dunhill Paris to Algeria (tax plate). Fine mechanism with horizontal roller and lift arm. Patented in France by M. Chauvot in 1928 and René Combeau in Switzerland 1929. Combo is named after one of the inventors (Combeau).

Dunhill Combo

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Dunhill Combo Sports: Made in Switzerland ca. 1929. Sold by Dunhill Paris. Fine mechanism with horizontal roller and lift arm plus windguard. Dunhill marking on filler screw. Patented in France by M. Chauvot in 1928 and René Combeau in Switzerland 1929. Combo is named after one of the inventors (Combeau).

Dunhill Combo Sports

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Dunhill Giant: Made in England ca. 1930. Large Table model of the original Unique lighter. Early model with leaf springs for the lift arm. Patented by Wise & Greenwood.

Dunhill Giant

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Dunhill Jet Plane: Made in England in 1958. Large semi-automatic table lighter, activated on the nose, in shape of a Sabre-jet. The engraving enables accurate dating. Registered design.

Dunhill Jetplane

 

Dunhill Sylph: Made in England ca. 1953. Slim and elegant lift arm lighter with reed designed surface. Made in 5 different heights.

Dunhill Sylph

 

Dunhill Tallboy: Made in England ca. 1936. Slim and elegant lighter made under licence from Cartier Paris. The Tallboy was the first Dunhill model with a full cap instead of a lift arm. Patented in France and Switzerland in 1933 by Cartier SA.

Dunhill Tallboy

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The “New” Dunhill: Made in England ca. 1931. A lower cost version of the Unique lighter
with a rectangular body. The marking on the
lift arm is untypical. It could be a replacement. Patented by Wise & Greenwood.

Dunhill The New Dunhill

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Dunhill Unique A Watch: Made in Switzerland by La Nationale ca. 1927. A beautifully proportioned early Watchlighter with first Unique A fittment. Sterling silver and a rectangular Swiss movement also marked Dunhill. Patented by Wise & Greenwood.

Dunhill Unique A Watchlighter

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Dunhill Unique B: Made in Switzerland by La Nationale ca. 1935. A later lift arm model with black ostrich leather. Unusual style of marking on the curved lift arm. Patented by Wise & Greenwood.

Dunhill Unique B

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Dunhill Unique B: Made in Switzerland by La Nationale ca. 1928. An early lift arm model with shagreen wrap and chain ring. Patented by Wise & Greenwood.

Dunhill Unique B

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Dunhill Unique B: Made in France ca. 1927. An early straight lift arm model in silver with egshell lacquer. Patented by Wise & Greenwood.

Dunhill Unique B

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Dunhill Unique B Sports: Made in England  ca. 1928. An early Sports lift arm model with windguard. Marking of Alfred Dunhill Paris on filler screw. Patented by Wise & Greenwood in England in 1928.

Dunhill Unique B Sports

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Dunhill “The Ball”: Made in England ca. 1930. Ball shaped small table lighter with self balancing feature. Patented by Wise & Greenwood. Registered design applied for.

Dunhill Unique Ball

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Dunhill “The Pipe Pocket”: Made in England ca. 1935. The wick tube can be extracted by a slide. Patented by Wise & Greenwood in 1933.

Dunhill Unique Pipe

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Dunhill “Unity”: Made in England 1928/29. Commissioned from BBSL (Birmingham) for Dunhill London. Dunhill-untypical
semi-automatic lighter. Sterling silver.

Dunhill Unity

 

Dunhill “Vanity”: Made in Switzerland by La Nationale for Dunhill ca. 1930. Vanity item with lighter, lipstick, powder compact and magnifying mirror. Early version with unmarked lift-arm. Phantastic engine turning. Patent granted to Vernon Dunhill in 1928.

Dunhill Vanity

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Dunhill’s “Corona”: Made in USA for Alfred Dunhill New York ca. 1935. Unusual automatic action. This model was only sold in the USA under the Dunhill brand. Patented by Irving Florman in 1935 and by La Nationale in Switzerland in 1939.

Dunhill's Corona

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Durus: Made in Germany by an unknown manufacturer ca. 1932. Unusual squeeze action with minimal but reliable mechanism. Ingenious design. Marked: Patent Applied for. Patented in Switzerland in 1933 by Albin Hopf, Germany.

Durus

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EBO Pencilighter: Made in Austria by EBO ca. 1941. Automatic lighter with propelling pencil and adjustable clamp. - Far more practical as Pencilighters made by Ronson but far less successful. Patented by Josef Edenburg in Vienna during WW2.

EBO Pencilighter

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Eclat G23: Made in France ca. 1928. Early lift arm lighter similar to Dunhill. Sleeve screw for flint adjustment. Mother of Pearl finish.

Eclat G23

 

Eclat G23: Made in France ca. 1928. Early “lift arm” lighter with unusual mechanism. Both wheel and wick cover are operated with one twist of the thumb.

Eclat G23

 

ED’ ARGY: Made in Belgium ca. 1850 by
ED’ ARGY. Exceptional friction lighter using sulphur- or amorce-caps and a friction mechanism with extractable activator. result is a glowing or burning cap. Container for Caps. Marked: Patented in France and England.

ED' ARGY

 

Elite: Made by an unknown manufacturer in France ca. 1934. Semi-automatic slide-mechanism, activated by a safety button. Seen with different markings. Patented by M. Lhomme in France in 1934.

Elite

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Emil Deutsch “Champion”: Made by Emil Deutsch in Austria ca. 1911. One of the most complicated early mechanisms. Works with petrol and fusee. The watchwinder is used to adjust the fusee. Patented by Emil Deutsch in 1911 (Germany).

Emil Deutsch Champion

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Erie Cigar Lighter: One of the earliest Caplighters known, made by Erie in the USA
ca. 1880. The ring activates a
hammer-mechanism that ignites a cap on tape to light a fusee. The brass version is a very early model. Patented by George Selden and James M. Keep (USA 1865, 1877, 1878).

Erie Cigar Lighter

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Erlac: Made in France ca. 1948. Also distributed by Dunhill Paris (with Dunhill markings). Spring loaded cap, activated by pushing the thumb-wheel. The mechanism can be removed completely for changing the flint and for re-fuelling. - Ingenious but delicate. Patented in France by Roger Lacour in 1948. Erlac is a combination of the inventor’s name RogER LACour.

Erlac

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Eterna Watchlighter: Made by Eterna & Cie. in Switzerland ca. 1930. One of the very few watchlighters made by a Watch company. Silver (935) and Swiss hallmarks. Beautifully crafted with lizzard. Patented by Theodor Schild in 1928.

Eterna

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Etna: Made by French manufactuer B. Laville (Montluçon) ca. 1936. Named after the Sicilian Volcano pointing to the unique concealed mechanism. The lighter is operated by moving the slide up. The lighter was promoted as a “new concept” and sold as a de luxe quality lighter on the French marked. Patented by Charles Bertin in France in 1936.

Etna

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Evans: Made by Evans USA ca. 1928. Early lift arm lighter with playful translucide enamel decoration. Marked patent pending. Patent granted to C. Lagerholm in 1930.

Evans Lift Arm

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Evans Roller Bearing: Made by Evans USA ca. 1930. Early automatic lighter with decent Art Déco design. Patented Design by A.F. Reilly in 1930.

Evans Roller Bearing

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Fackel Table Lighter: Made by German manufacturer E. von Steinen (Solingen) ca. 1915. Great torch lighter with screw shaped rack, activating the friction wheel via a gearwheel. Very heavy Table model with ashtray. Patented by Ludwig Russbacher in 1913 (GB).

Fackel Table

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Fackel: Made by German manufacturer E. von Steinen (Solingen) ca. 1915. Great torch lighter with screw shaped rack, activating the friction wheel via a gearwheel. A highly unusual model with a torch placed in the centre. Early French tax plate. Patented by Ludwig Russbacher in 1913 (GB).

Fackel fancy

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(Helvetia) Fackel: Made by German manufacturer E. von Steinen (Solingen) ca. 1915. Great torch lighter with screw shaped rack, activating the friction wheel via a gearwheel. A highly unusual model with a Swiss-cross shaped aperture (to remove dust). Early French tax plate. Patented by Ludwig Russbacher in 1913 (GB).

Fackel Helvetia

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Fero Cerium Essence: Made in France  ca. 1911. Early Petrol refill bottle for lighters. The name of the bottle points to the new lighting method of the ferro cerium flint, developed in 1903. Apparently, this was quite innovative in 1911. Early French Tax Plate. Missing stopper.

Fero Cerium Essence

 

Firefly Lighter: Assumed to be made in England ca. 1922. Unusual lift arm lighter with strike disc. Similar to the Swiss Made Pall Mall lighter.

Firefly Lighter

 

Flamidor BB: Made by French manufacturer Husson ca. 1912. Early Flamidor-Brand lighter from the Briquet-Parisien Series. Key-ring. Patented by Edouard Husson in Switzerland in 1911.

Flamidor BB

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Flamidor: Made in France  ca. 1937 by Quercia. Large and heavy table lighter with unusual safety push button (both buttons on the left ball to be pushed simultaneously). Patented by Marcel Quercia in France and England in 1937.

Flamidor

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Flamidor: Made in France  ca. 1937 by Quercia. Very neat pocket lighter, equally designed like the table model above. Operated by twisting the left ball. Patented by Marcel Quercia in France and England in 1937.

Flamidor

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Floating: Made in France  ca. 1936 by an unknown manufacturer. Unusual
semi-automatic action. The push button disappears when activated. Patented by Gaston Gaubert in France (1934) and Germany (1935).

Floating

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Foley & Ruse Pellet Match Lighter: Made in Canada (Bowmanville) by Foley & Ruse ca. 1888. Exceptional automatic Pellet Match Magazine. The Pellets are similar to the heads of sulphur matches. Pushing the central pin produces, ignites and holds a burning pellet. Very short production period of less than 2 years. Patented by James Foley and Joseph Ruse in CDN, USA and GB as from 1887.

Foley & Ruse

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Folmer & Schwing: Made in USA ca. 1891 by Folmer & Schwing MFG Co., a manufacturer of photo camera supplies. Pocket watch shaped amorce cap lighter with large cap disc and petrol. Ignition provided by a scriber. High quality object patented by William Folmer in 1891.

Folmer & Schwing

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Fork: Made in Germany by Kremer Metal Works, Offenbach ca. 1932. Semi-automatic lighter, activated by a lever on the side. Exceptional round model, sold in Great Britain. Registered Design (GB, 778527). Patented by Kremer & bayer in England 1930/32.

Fork

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Fork: Made in Germany by Kremer Metal Works, Offenbach ca. 1932. Semi-automatic lighter, activated by a lever on the side. Exceptional table model, assumed to be sold in Spain.

Fork Lighter Table Model

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(The) Fountain Pocket Lamp: Made in USA
ca. 1893. A phantastic cap lighter comprising a magazine with max. 50 single caps, ignited with a scriber to light the wick. Unique concept. Complete set with lighter, box, instruction sheet and cap supply. View 2 more photos by clicking on photos shown here. Click on patent icon to see the 1893 patent plus both instruction sheets.

Fountain Pocket Lamp
Fountain Pocket Lamp

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Fritz Eichner & Co: Made in Germany ca. 1935 by Fritz Eichner & Co.. An unusual club-size torch-lighter with rack mechanism along the wick tube. 2nd French tax plate for large lighters. Patented by the manufacturer in 1935 in Germany.

Fritz Eichner & Co.

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Fujiama: Made in France by an unknown  manufacturer ca. 1935. Well designed lift arm lighter with marble imitation celluloid wrap. Contains later version of French tax plate (used from 1927 onwards).

Fujiama

 

Fulmen Pinel: Made in Belgium by H. Joris (Liège) ca. 1908. A later amorce cap lighter with semi-automatic hammer mechanism and cap tape. Contains specialities like a safety lock and a removable petrol tank. Patented in Switzerland in 1905 by Emile Pinel and in England in 1907.

Fulmen Pinel

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Fumalux FL2: Made in Germany by Domo
(Dr. Mohr) ca. 1946. Semi-automatic electric lighter and electric torch, operated by a dry battery (Rulag system) and a platinum filament. The Fumalux FL2 was successor of the Pyrolux lighter. Patented in Germany by Hans Wilhelm in 1949.

Fumalux FL2

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G.M.S.: Made in Germany by an unknown manufacturer (marked G.M.S.) in 1911. Early semi-automatic petrol lighter with unusual link mechanism. Commemorative lighter of the coronation of King George V and Mary of England on 22nd June 1911.

G.M.S.

 

(Attias) Gigolo: Quite certainly made in Germany by Ibelo (Frankfurt) ca. 1930. Highly complicated semi-automatic action after a patent, granted to K.F. Projahn (who also got the patent for the famous Colibri Original) and Isidor Gillis in 1932. The lighter is marked “patent applied for”. This model is known to exist with different names like “Gigolo”, “Attias”, etc.. There is a similar model named “Collis”, which could well be a combination of “Colibri” and “Gillis” (the co-inventor).

Gigolo (Attias)

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Goal: Made in Austria ca. 1936 by an unknown manufacturer. Interesting torch lighter with highly unusual pull action. Unusual enamelled sign marked “SW (Sherwin Williams Paint) Cover the Earth”. Patented in Austria and France in 1935/36 by Josef Edenburg.

Goal

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Golden Arrow: Made in USA by Henry Lederer & Bro ca. 1932. Lighter and cigarette case combination. Automatic action with complicated gear wheel mechanism. Patented by Jack Rosenthal for Henry Lederer & Bro in 1932.

Golden Arrow

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Golden Arrow: Made in USA by Henry Lederer & Bro ca. 1932. Lighter and cigarette case combination. Automatic action with complicated gear wheel mechanism. Patented by Jack Rosenthal for Henry Lederer & Bro in 1932.

Golden Arrow

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Golden Wheel “Sta-Lit”: Made in USA ca. 1935 by Golden Wheel, a brand of Henry Lederer & Bro. To operate, one has to pull up the lid quickly. The trigger is for closing the lighter again. A very odd model. Patented in USA in 1932 by Axel Kilstrom.

Golden Wheel Sta-Lit

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Goliasch & Co: made in Berlin ca. 1910 by Goliasch & Co. Semi-automatic lighter with spectacular mechanism. Marked with 2 crescent moons, the manufacturer’s mark.

Koehler

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Goodman: Made in London in 1918/19 by
W.C. Goodman, 76 Kings Road, Chelsea . Goodman was a local jeweller. Beautiful design in Sterling. Patented in 1918.

Goodman

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Golden Wheel: Made in USA ca. 1930 by Golden Wheel. Small table model of a strike lighter. Clean industrial design.

Golden Wheel Strike Lighter

 

Hahway (H.W.): Made by Progress
Maschinen-Industrie, Munich, Germany ca. 1915. Highly unusual slide windguard. The Hahway was one of the best selling early German petrol lighters.
This windguard-version is extremely unusual. Patented by Fritz Hofmann in Munich in 1910.

H.W. Windshield

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Hahway “Triplex”: Made by Progress Maschinen-Industrie, Munich, Germany ca. 1915. A lovely semi-automatic gear lighter (Imperator-type) for petrol and fusee plus a seperate strike-lighter. It comprises the first French tax plate (sold in France).

Hahway Triplex

 

Harvey Avedon: Made in USA by Harvey Avedon Co. ca. 1938. Innovative design of an automatic action, combined with a nicely integrated windguard. Sterling sleeve.
Patents were pending.

Harvey Avedon

 

Hermann Watchlighter: Made in Switzerland by Hermann & Co. (La Chaux de Fonds) ca. 1932. Lift arm lighter with concealed watch. Made for watchmakers and shops and sold without watch. - The watches were provided by the watchmakers (Beyer-Zurich on this model). Patented in Switzerland in 1930 and 1931 by Hermann & Co. and Schmitz Frères & Co..

Hermann

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Hermès: Made by a Swiss manufacturer (probably La Nationale) for Hermés ca. 1950. Ingenious mechanism with circular thumb ring combined with a great design. Patented in France in 1950 by Jean Feurer, a Swiss.

Hermès

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IMCO 2500: Made by Julius Meister & Co. (IMCO) in Vienna ca. 1937. An unusual
Imco model, a semi-automatic design with a simple but ingenious mechanism. Probably made for the USA-market. Patented by Julius Petravic in Austria (1923) and Hans Silberknopf in USA in 1936.

Imco 2500

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Imco Primex: Made by IMCO
(Julius Meister & CO) in Austria ca. 1953.
Also known as “Perplex”. The petrol tank with windguard can be lifted by pushing a button or it can be pulled out completely by pushing another button. To be used as a pipe lighter or for any lighter-related outdoor task. Marked Patent Austria. Patented in USA by A. Racek in 1953.

Imco Primex

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Instanta Twin: Made by Instanta in Austria ca. 1940. This is truly (to my knowledge) the most complicated lighter/cigarette case combination I’ve ever seen. By actuating the large slide in the centre, the case produces cigarettes, a flame and the lighter resets when closing the case. - Magnificent. Patented by Herrmann Lorant in Austria in 1936 and 1939.

Instanta Twin

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J. Claverie: Made by an unknown  company in France ca. 1949. A very pretty semi-automatic table lighter with push button on the side. Marked “Modèle Déposée”.

J. Claverie

 

J.K Vienna: Made by J.K. (Josef Kluss) in Austria ca. 1925. A very early automatic table lighter/ashtray combination for clubs and restaurants. Great mechanism, equally designed like the American Capitol Lighter. Patented by Josef Kluss in Austria in 1924.

Josef Kluss

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J.K: Made by Josef Kluss (Vienna) in Austria, ca. 1920. Early automatic table lighter with immensly complex mechanism and ashtray. Patented by Josef Kluss in 1919.

Josepf Kluss

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(Le) Jacot: Made by an unknown  company in France ca. 1942. A phantastic figural automatic lighter in form of a parrot. - A late Art Déco design. Patented by M. Camille Brochard in 1941.

Le Jacot

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Kaschie K35: Made by Karl Schieder in Nuernberg, Germany ca. 1949. A well made automatic table lighter using a large curved rack to rotate the flint wheel. Advertising lighter of a paint manufacturer. Patented by Karl Schieder in 1934.

Kaschie K35

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Kaschie K8: Made by Karl Schieder in Nuernberg, Germany ca. 1924. A simple early lighter model with key ring to rotate the flint. Patented by Karl Schieder in 1924.

Kaschie K8

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Kaschie K16: Made by Karl Schieder in Nuernberg, Germany ca. 1930. The K16 was a successful squeeze action lighter. Shown with original box and papers. Patented by Karl Schieder in 1933.

Kaschie K16

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Kaschie K380: Made by Karl Schieder in Nuernberg, Germany ca. 1939. A well made automatic  lighter using a curved rack to rotate the flint wheel. Another feature is a
see-through window to spot if the cotton wool contains enough petrol. Patented by Karl Schieder in 1936.

Kaschie K380

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Kellermann: Made by named German Manufacturer ca. 1936.
Figural pocket lighter with semi-automatic mechanism. Patented by Heinrich Kellermann in Germany 1936.

Kellermann

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Kellermann (Imperator): Made by Kellermann in Germany ca. 1915. Imperator-style Lighter with unusual mechanism to change the flint.

Kellermann

 

KW Elisorn: Made by Karl Wieden in Solingen, Germany, ca. 1940. Ball shaped table lighter with typical semi-automatic action. Lovely design. Patented in Germany by Karl Wieden in 1936. Design Patent in 1937.

KW Ball

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KW Sphinx: Made by Karl Wieden in Solingen, Germany, ca. 1936. Automatic squeeze action lighter, made under licence of Mouchon, France. Ingenious mechanism. Patented in France by Robert and René Mouchon in 1931. Patent for the new mechanism by Karl Wieden in Germany in 1936.

KW Sphinx

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KW Sphinx: Made by Karl Wieden in Solingen, Germany, ca. 1936. Automatic squeeze action lighter, made under licence of Mouchon, France. Ingenious mechanism. Patented in France by Robert and René Mouchon in 1931. Patent for the new mechanism by Karl Wieden in Germany in 1936.

KW Sphinx

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KW: Made by Karl Wieden in Solingen, Germany, ca. 1915. Early KW strike lighter. The flint metal on the lid needs to strike the sharp steel collar surrounding the wick. Patented in Germany by Karl Wieden in 1914.

KW Strike Lighter

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Lancel Automatique: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1935. Large table model of the “Automatique” made in silver and alligator wrap. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel table

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Lancel Automatique: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1935. Medium size table model of the “Automatique”. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel table

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Lancel Automatique: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1935. Pocket model with great black lacquer and eggshell design. Original box. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel Automatique

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Lancel Automatique: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1935. Pocket model with clamped windshield. This is a very unusual version. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel Automatique Windshield

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Lancel Automatique: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1935. Pocket model with
windshield in silver. This is a very unusual version. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel Automatique Windshield

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Lancel Excelsior: Made by Lancel in France in 1939. The Excelsior is a complicated semi-automatic lighter. It was the most expensive standard model by Lancel. Due to the break out of WW2, production was ceased shortly after the product was launched. Patented by Mr. Labourot in 1934.

Lancel Excelsior

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Lancel Boule: Made by Lancel in France in 1951. Ball shaped table lighter, sitting on a cigarette box. This was a present for a French officer in Mogador (Essaouira today),
Morocco. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel Boule

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Lancel “Lance-Flamme”: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1935. Pocket lighter for pipe. The centrally located air pump provides a stream of petrol gas through the flame, producing a jet flame. The jet flame was directed to the pipe bowl. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel Lance-Flamme

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Lancel “Pipe”: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1936. Pocket model for pipe with a fuel tank that swings out, in order to be placed over the pipe bowl. Patented by Walter Ott in 1934.

Lancel Pipe

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Lancel Royal: Made by Lancel in France ca. 1945. Pocket model with a new design of the older automatic models. Patened in France. Patented by Lancel in 1928.

Lancel Royal

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Lenil Genève: Made in Switzerland ca. 1930. Lift arm lighter with watch. Circular movement with rectangular dial. Winding the watch requires to remove the filler screw and the sleeve. - Awkward but interesting.

Lenil Genève

 

Lereche “Le Mecanic”: Made in France by Lereche ca. 1935. Semi-automatic action with strong coil spring around the flint tube. Mechanical parts are made of steel! A very unusual lighter. Patented in France.

Lereche

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Lincoln Automatic: Made by Lincoln Lighter Co. in the USA ca. 1928. A spectacular automatic lighter with a ball-bearing mechanism. Rare version with engine turned Alpacca sleeve. Original box and very instructive directions for use. Patent applied for in 1929  by Homer J. Bouchard. The patent was granted to his wife in 1932 because he had passed away earlier.

Lincoln Automatic

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Little Gem: Made by Magic Introduction Co. in New York and Chicago ca. 1892. A unique amorce-tape cap lighter with rotating drum for the cap tape and a scriber. The Chicago model is much harder to find than the New York version. Marked “Patent applied for”. Patented in 1892 by Nathan Matthewson.

Little Gem

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Luminus Paris: Made by Luminus in Paris ca. 1905. Early electric lighter with liquid battery (probably diluted sulphur acid) and zinc/carbon electrodes. Operates with a pilot wick close by the platinum filament and a main wick. The pilot wick lights the main wick for longer use without stressing the battery. Patented by Bernard Carrier in France in 1903/04.

Luminus

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(The) Macbeth: Made by Garrett in England ca. 1897. A great automatic match vesta. The matches are pushed out of the container (with a slide), striking a sharp steel scriber. The burning match is clamped by the scriber. Patented by Frank Garrett in 1897 (England).

The Macbeth

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Magicienne: Made by a French manufacturer (marked A.F.) ca. 1890. A great automatic match vesta. The matches are pushed out of the container (with a long rod), striking a sharp steel scriber. The burning match is clamped by the scriber. Patented in France (undiscovered).

La Magicienne

 

Magicienne: Made by a French manufacturer (marked A.F.) ca. 1890. A great automatic match vesta. The matches are pushed out of the container (with a long rod), striking a sharp steel scriber. The burning match is clamped by the scriber. Smaller model with beautiful engravings. Patented in France (undiscovered).

La Magicienne

 

Magic Case: Made by Magic Case Mfrs.
St. Louis ca. 1932. A unique cigarette lighter/case: It lights and presents the cigarettes lit and ready for smoking. Patented in 1932 by
C.P. Shaw.

Magic Case

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Magic Pocket Lamp: Made by Magic Introduction Co. in New York ca. 1895.
A unique amorce-disc cap lighter with  a scriber. - A highly successful cap lighter in the USA. Patented in 1889 and 1890 by Elias B. Koopman.

Magic Pocket Lamp

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Malaret: Made in France ca. 1911. An unusual
semi-automatic lighter with a curved grater and a flint set on top of the mechanism. Sold in France (1st French tax plate). Patented by M.E. Malret in 1911 in France.

Malaret

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Manifold: Made by JL in Austria ca. 1933.
A unique pipe lighter with a swivel wick tube. Patented by Leopold Kutter in Vienna in 1932/33.

Manifold

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Marathon Automatic: Made by Marathon Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1932. Early automatic lighter similar to early Evans models. Beautiful lacquer and enamel descoration. Patented by Carl Lagerholm in 1932.

Marathon Automatic

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Marathon Sportlite: Made by Marathon Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1929. Very attractive
lift-arm lighter with elliptical cross-section. Marked Pat. Pending.

Marathon Sportlite

 

Marathon Super-Liter: Made by Marathon
Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1929. Very attractive lift-arm lighter with unusual gear mechanism to change the direction of rotation. This way,  the flame faces the smoker. Patended in the USA in 1928 by Alpha H. Metcalf .

Marathon Super-Liter

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Marathon Windlite: Made by Marathon Co. Attleborough, USA ca. 1929. Very attractive
lift-arm lighter with incredible wind-guard design. Marked Pat. Pending..

Marathon Windlite

 

Mart’s Automatic: Made by Mart, USA ca. 1942. A unique automatic alluminium
pipe-lighter.  The safety button needs to be actuated and the lighter springs open like a piston. A rack drives the friction wheel. The flame is placed over a pipe-bowl.

Mart's Automatic

 

Mastercraft Lighter: Made by MSR, USA ca. 1930. A unique lighter with a slide-snuffer where you would expect a lift-arm . Lovely version with enamel decoration. Patented by Henry Shapiro in USA in 1929.

Mastercraft

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Matchless Cigar Lighter: Made by M.C.L. Manufacturing Co. New York, ca. 1900. The fast rotation of a steel wheel starts with the opening of the lid. The friction with an emery stone creates a spark for the fusee. Patented by Stockwell and Weisz in 1897 an by Amelie Weisz in Germany in 1905.

Matchless Cigar Lighter

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The Matchless Lighter: Made by Weisz Manufacturing Co., Brooklyn, ca. 1899. The fast rotation of a steel wheel starts with the opening of the lid. The friction with an emery stone creates a spark for the fusee. A higher quality (and earlier) version of the
M.C.L. product. Patented by Stockwell and Weisz in 1897.

Matchless Lighter

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Max und Moritz: Made by an unknown manufacturer in Germany ca. 1908. A 1st generation catalytic lighter, operating with methanol and platinum sponge. Telescopic frame with spong. Seperate container for paraffin and wick, to be used as a lamp. Named after Wilhelm Busch’s famous twins. Marked Pat. Pend. Patented by Fritz Deimel in 1908 (Germany).

Max und Moritz

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Mayfair: Made by an unknown manufacturer in England ca. 1930. A unique lift-arm lighter with a horizontal thumb-wheel.

Mayfair

 

Mc Murdo: Made by Mc Murdo in England ca. 1945. A great design with a horizontal roller, lifting the snuffer and igniting the wick. Patented by Harry Lakey in 1947 (England).

Mc Murdo

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Mc Murdo: Made by Mc Murdo in England ca. 1945. A great design with a horizontal roller, lifting the snuffer and igniting the wick. Large table model with bigger sized mechanism and beautiful shagreen decoration. Patented by Harry Lakey in 1947 (England).

Mc Murdo Table Model

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Mc Murdo: Made by Mc Murdo in England ca. 1945. A great design with a horizontal roller, lifting the snuffer and igniting the wick. Tall table model with pocket sized mechanism. Patented by Harry Lakey in 1947 (England).

Mc Murdo Table Model

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MD: Made by an unknown manufacturer, probably German or French ca. 1912. A unique early semi-automatic mechanism with an interesting wheel-transport, a saw-rack. Hallmarked silver housing marked LK and a cock. Brass parts are marked METALL. The lighter might have been made in Germany but refined in France. Patented in Germany in 1910 by Ludwig Neumann (Austria).

MD

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Mokin Match: Made by Mokin, a French manufacturer of pipes and lighters ca. 1947. A phantastic semi-automatic mechanism lighter, operating like a matchbox. Patented by Bruno Garribaldi Maggino in 1947.

Mokin Match

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Monroe Lighter: Made by Monroe, USA
ca. 1935. A lovely Art Déco watch-lighter with a rectangular Swiss Cyma-movement.

Monroe Lighter

 

Morlite: Made by Morlite, England ca. 1930.
A semi-automatic lighter with unusual windguard with punched M for Morlite. Marked: Patent pending.

Morlite

 

Mosda: Made by Davies & Heaps, Birmingham ca. 1931. This kick-start lighter was intended to improve the Colibri Original. It has a repeating flint wheel. Patented by Davies and Heaps in 1932 but manufactured before the patent was granted.

Mosda

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Mouchon “Le Sphinx”: Made by Mouchon, France ca. 1931. Automatic squeeze action lighter with a great Art Déco design
(Egypt-style). Ingenious mechanism. Patented in France by Robert and René Mouchon in 1931.

Mouchon Le Sphinx

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Mylflam Strato: Made by Heinrich Maltner Metallwaren, Offenbach, Germany ca. 1935. Semi-automatic lighter with parallel triggers (for safety reasons). The removable base allows to use it as pocket- or table lighter. Any monogram was available. Patented in 1935 in Germany by Heinrich Maltner.

Mylflam Strato

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Myon Bridge: Made by Myon, France 1956. Commemorative lighter of the marriage of Rainer of Monaco and Grace Kelly.

Myon Bridge

 

(The) Napier Lighter: Made by Napier Co, Meriden, USA, ca. 1929. Very attractive
lift-arm lighter with unusual gear mechanism to change the direction of rotation. This way,  the flame faces the smoker. The spring for the lift-arm is integrated in the arm. Patented in 1928 in Canada by Emil Schuelke and Arthur Ross.

Napier Lighter

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Napier Surefire Lighter: Made by Napier Co, Meriden, USA, ca. 1928. Unsual lift-arm lighter. The spring for the lift-arm is integrated in the arm. Marked “Patents pending”. Patented in 1929 in Canada by Emil Schuelke and Arthur Ross.

Napier Surefire

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Nassau: Made by The American Button Co, (Newark), USA ca. 1911. Early Semi-automatic lighter with large flint wheel and reliable transport. Marked with patent date Dec. 26. 1905. - There is no relevant patent at that date. Properly patented in 1911 by Frederick W. Goerdes.

Nassau

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NAX LYON: Made in France ca. 1920. Reliable mechanism with wheel repetition. Unusual model.

NAX LYON

 

Netop Lighter: Made by
Saacke Schmidt & Co.USA, ca. 1930. Similar to some French models, like one of the Deniels, this lighter operates with a small lift-arm, actuated simultaneously with the thumb
wheel. Patents were pending.

Netop

 

(The) Netor: Probably made by a company named Netor in England ca. 1928. A unique semi-automatic swing arm lighter.
The swing-arm sweeps the lid along when the button is pushed. Provisional patent No 17391.

Netor

 

Nevière: I named this lighter after the
inventor. Made in France ca. 1927, this ingenious squeeze-lighter would have set standards if it was better known. The mechanism is both simple (few parts) and reliable. Patented by M. Louis-Auguste Nevière in 1923 in France and 1928 in Germany. A USA patent is known too.

Nevière

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Noris-Bemy: Made in Germany ca. 1935. Great automatic mechanism. Slide the windshield forward to activate. Slides back automatically. Repeating wheel. Engine turned silver sleeve. Instructions in German, English and Spanish. Pat. appled for.

Noris-Bemy

 

Nuton: Made by an unknown manufacturer in France ca. 1929. Looking very much like an early Thorens lighter, the Nuton is much more complicated. It operates with a twist-button, an integrated transport of the flint-wheel and a hinged support for the flint. - Amazing. Patented in France by Gaston Marius Nuéjouls in 1928. NUTON is a combination from NUéjouls and GasTON.

Nuton

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(Le Briquet de l’)Obelisque: Made by Bocadau, Paris, ca. 1949. A very unusual 2nd generation catalytic lighter. It operates with Methanol and Platinum sponge. Interesting
twist-mechanism that places the ignition part over the Methanol-tank. Original box and papers. Patented in France in 1949 by
Célestin Daussin.

Obelisque

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Orlik 1930: Made by Orlik in Austria ca. 1930. Automatic variant of the Orlik wind-proof lighter. The quick and firm opening of the lid activates the mechanism. The repeating
flint-wheel is an unusual technical solution. Provisional Patent 1349/28 (England). Patented by Louis Orlik in England in 1928.

Orlik 1930

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O.S: Made by Ogawa Shigeo, Japan, ca. 1952. This automatic cigarette case/lighter- combination operates with a unique concealed mechanism. It is activated with full opening of the case after a cigarette was taken. The patent (Austrian) is not related to the lighter but shown here.

Ogawa Shigeo

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Otis: Made by Otis Mfg. Co. Chicago ca. 1927. This is the earliest variant of Otis’ automatic lighter. The mechanism is simpler than its successor but practically better. Marked: Pat. pend. The patent was not granted and production was not continued.

Otis

 

Otis: Made by Otis Mfg. Co. (Elgin Craft) Chicago ca. 1932. A beautiful table model of the famous Otis lighter. Patented by Herbert Strausser in 1927 and 1933.

Otis Table Model

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Otis: Made by Otis Mfg. Co. (Elgin Craft) Chicago ca. 1932. A beautiful table model of the famous Otis lighter. Patented by Herbert Strausser in 1927 and 1933.

Otis Table Model

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Pall Mall: Made by an unknown manufacturer in Switzerland ca. 1926. Lift-arm lighter with unusual conical/convex striker disc. First patented by Raoul Mage and Edmund Bleuze in France in 1925.

Pall Mall

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Parker “Dunhill Paris”: Made for Alfred Dunhill Paris in France for the French market ca. 1930. Lovely Lift-arm design. The combination of the brands Parker and Dunhill ist quite unique.

Parker - Dunhill Paris

 

Parker “The Efficient Lighter”: Made by the Parker Pipe Co. in England ca. 1932. It is a Parker Beacon type with great shagreen decoration. Marked: Registered Design.

Parker - The Efficient Lighter

 

Parker “Auto Beacon”: Made by the Parker Pipe Co. in England ca. 1936. Extremely unusual design with an automatic lid, activated by a small push button below the thumb-wheel. The design is very similar to the Dunhill Broadboy (half cap). Patented by Walter Pugh of Mordan & Co. in 1936.

Parker Auto Beacon

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Parker “Beacon”: Made for the Parker
Pipe Co. in Switzerland ca. 1935. Unusual wind guard design with two parallel lift-arms.

Parker Beacon Sports

 

Parker “Compact”: Made for Parker/Dunhill New York ca. 1940. Semi-automatic action with form/funtion of a powder compact. Based on the “The Light”-model of Dunhill. Early version with provisional Patent. Patented by R. Nyden in the USA in 1939.

Parker Compact

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Parker “Oblique”: Made by the Parker Pipe
Co. in England in 1934/35. Beautifully designed lift-arm lighter. London hallmarks (including jubilee mark) for Sterling. Patented by Greenwood & Wise. Registered Design.

Parker Oblique

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Parker “Roller Beacon”: Made by the Parker Pipe Co. in England ca. 1938. Improved lift-arm mechanism with thumb-roller. Magnificent table version. Patented by Parker in England in 1937.

Parker Roller Beacon Table Model

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Pasque: Made by or for Pasque, a jeweler at
7, Rue de la Paix, Paris ca. 1950. Fantastic silver lighter with very unique system to conceal the means of flint-replacement and petrol refill.

Pasque

 

Pasque: Made by or for Pasque, a jeweler at
7, Rue de la Paix, Paris ca. 1950. Fantastic silver lighter with very unique system to conceal the means of flint-replacement and petrol refill. A very tricky mechanism.

Pasque

 

Pasteyer: Made by J. Pasteyer in Paris ca. 1887. Friction lighter with steel-wheel, emery and fusee. Complicated gear in a circular
cage. Patented in France.

Pasteyer

 


Percussion Lighter: Made by an unknown manufacturer in France ca. 1850. Percussion lighter using amorce-caps and a percussion mechanism underneath the barrel. Form of a duel pistol with container for a clay pipe. The fusee is missing. Marked: Patented in France.
 

Percussion Lighter

 

Percussion Lighter: Made by a manufacturer, (probably L&J) in France ca. 1850. Percussion lighter using amorce-caps, a percussion mechanism and a fusee. Form of a hoof. Container with spare caps. Marked: Déposé.

Percussion Lighter

 

Perfecto Cigar Lighter: Made by American Cigar Lighter Co., Ney York, USA ca. 1920. Semi-automatic action, similar to an early Thorens lighter.
Marked: Patent Pending.

Perfecto

 

Perfectos (Strand): Made by Heinrich Maltner (Mylflam GmbH) in Germany ca. 1928. Lift-arm lighter with automatic lift arm. To open the
lift-arm one needs to push a button underneath the flint screw. This model was also named “Strand”. Patented in the USA by Heinrich Maltner in 1928 and in France.

Perfectos (Strand)

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Phillips: Made by Phillips Mfg. Co. Meriden, USA, ca. 1930. Highly unusual and unique automatic lighter with horizontal
gear-mechanism. Patents were pending.

Phillips

 

Pilot: Made by Altenpohl & Pilgram (Alpimeta) in Germany ca. 1936. A popular but interesting semi-automatic table lighter. Patented by the manufacturer in Germany in 1935.

Pilot

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Pingeot: Made in France ca. 1937. The earliest known butane gas pocket-lighter with removable butane tank and flip switch to activate the valve (gas flow). The switch stays open and needs to be closed manually(!) Patented by Henri Lucien Pingeot in France in 1937 (application 1936).

Pingeot

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Polaire: Made by the French manufacturer Polaire ca. 1935. Large lift-arm table lighter with Déco watch. Enamelled dial marked “Polaire Paris”.

Polaire

 

Polaire: Made by the French manufacturer Polaire ca. 1935. Club-size lift-arm lighter with beautifully lacquerd motive of a ski jumper.

Polaire

 

Polo: Made by Otto Hattenauer Metallwarenfabrik, Germany ca. 1936. Highly unusual semi-automatic pocket lighter with vertical coil spring around the flint tube plus two transmission arms, connected to the snuffer cap. Patented in Germany, France and England. POLO appears to be the model name, NOT related with the English manufacturer.

Polo (model)

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Polo Automatic: Made by Pearlman & Co. in England ca. 1950. Table model with backelite base. The mechanism is very interesting and effective, working with a gear ratio. Patented by the manufacturer in England in 1950.

Polo Automatic

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Portlight: Made by Portland in England ca. 1930. Highly unusual pocket lighter with interesting mechanism to change the flint. Rotatable petrol tank with two wicks. Marked with several prov. patents.

Portlight

 

Premier: Made by Premier in England
ca. 1933. Fantastic semi-automatic design with safety lock. Engine turned 9ct gold
sleeve. Patented in England by Alexander Libin in 1932.

Premier

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President Lighter: Made by an unknown manufacturer in the USA ca. 1925. Unusual windshield.

President Lighter

 

Press Easy: Made by Bruckmann in Germany for the English retailer Collingwood & Co. in 1929/30. Sterling with London import marks. Semi-automatic design. Also known as
BRUMA. Unusual windguard. Patented by Ludwig Bruckmann in 1927.

Press Easy

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Pyrofix: Made by an unknown manufacturer in Germany ca. 1908. A 1st generation catalytic lighter, operating with methanol and platinum sponge. Telescopic frame with sponge and spare tank for methanol. Patented by Paul Brandt and Carl Krueger in Germany in 1908.

Pyrofix

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Pyrogène: Made by an unknown manufacturer (marked CBG) in France ca. 1850. A practical pneumatic air compression lighter using
tinder, comprising a small container for the latter. Fully marked lighter, showing a burning torch symbol, CBG, Pyrogène and a marking of a French patent. Extraordinary!

Pyrogène

 

Quercia “The Racer”: Made by Quercia in France ca. 1933. Beautifully crafted silver model of Quercia’s version of “the Sphinx” from Mouchon. Made under licence. Automatic squeeze-action in shape of a car-cooler. Patented in France by Robert and René Mouchon in 1931.

Quercia Racer

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R.K. “Erkanor”: Made by Richard Kohn in Austria ca. 1926. A lovely semi-automatic gear lighter (Imperator-type) with curved transition of base and lid. Comprises the 2nd French tax plate. Marked: patented and “protected by law”.

R.K. Erkanor

 

R.W. 20: Made by an unknown manufacturer in Germany ca. 1920. Pistol lighter with automatic strike-action, using a rectangular flint and a sharp friction collar. Similar to the Bendit lighter. Additional tank for liquid petrol. Model No 322. Also marked DWJ 322.

R.W.20

 

Regel: Made by Regel in England ca. 1930. Extraordinary mechanism: To replace the flint from the top, the winguard can be unlocked and folded away. The force of the flint-spring can be adjusted by a special wheel. Also seen marked “Robert Lewis” and “Carlton”. Engine turned sterling sleeve. Patented in England in 1930 by Brenchley Greenhalf.

Regel

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Reliable Pocket Lamp: Made by Henry W. Maybaum, Philadelphia, USA, ca. 1891.
A semi-automatic amorce cap-lighter with a large thumb-wheel and a scriber for ignition. Early version marked “Pat. appl. for.”.
US-Patent granted to John H. Farell in 1891.

Reliable Pocket Lamp

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Reuge “Flam Song”: Made by La Nationale Switzerland for Reuge ca. 1955. The automatic lighter comprises a small musical box with auto-stop function. The lighter is a version of the ROPP-model (also by La Nationale) with extended thumb lever. The musical box is a Reuge product. Reuge is the last existing Swiss manufacturer of musical boxes. Patented by Reuge in Switzerland in 1954.

Reuge Flamsong

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Re-X-Lite: Made by Rex in the USA ca. 1928. This is the semi-automatic version of the Rexlite. The unique mechanism shoots the swing arm back, when activated by the
push-button. It has a safety-lock and a fine adjustment mechanism for the flint wheel. Patents were pending but not granted. Original gift-box.

Rexlite Automatic

 

Ring Lighter: Made by an unknown manufacturer in Austria ca. 1937.
The Semi-automatic action is started when the seal is pulled. A fine version in silver and laquer with initials FM. Patented in Austria in 1936 by Karl Rambousek.

Ringlighter

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Robur: Made in France ca. 1933 by Morvan in Villemomble, France. A semi-automatic lighter with very decorative windguard and side-panels.
A beautiful example of domestic French Art Déco. Patented by Francois Louis Morvan in 1933 in France.

Robur

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Rolls Enfield: Made by Rolls Enfield, Birmingham, ca. 1933. A streamlined kick-start lighter, actually the successor of the Mosda. Patented by Maurice Davies and Louis Heaps in England in 1932.

Rolls Enfield

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Ronson Rondelight Junior: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1930. Early version of the mid(junior)-sized ball lighter with early Standard fitment.

Ronson Rondelight Junior

 

Ronson Banjo: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1928. First automatic (one motion) pocket lighter in the world. Originally called “The Ronson Lighter”. Great mechanism and built quality. Patented by L. Aronson in 1928, USA.

Ronson Banjo

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Ronson Debonair: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. A very uncommon design for Ronson. Patented by L.V. Aronson in 1930 (USA).

Ronson Debonair

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Ronson Standard Windbreak: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1931. Standard fitment with variable windguard. Patented by
L. Aronson in 1929 (USA).

Ronson De-Light Windbreak

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Ronson Penciliter: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1950. Later model with streamlined design. Patented by W.I. Nissen in 1948 (USA).

Ronson Penciliter

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Ronson Penciliter: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. Earlier model of the famous lighter/propelling pencil combination.

Ronson Penciliter

 

Ronson Regent JR: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. Lovely designed model with small fitment. Design Patent by L. Aronson in 1934.

Ronson Regent JR.

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Ronson Standard: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1940. 2nd Standard fitment. Unusual decorative technique. Patented by
L. Aronson in 1936 (USA).

Ronson Standard

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Ronson Standard: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. 1st Standard fitment. Unusual technique. Patented by L. Aronson in 1935 (USA).

Ronson Standard

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Ronson Strike Light “Dodo Bird”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1934. Figural table strike-lighter in form of a dodobird, designed by J. Skiba. Patented wand with petrol reservoir in the handle. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934.

Ronson Strike Lighter Dodobird

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Ronson Tablelighter: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1930. Early De-Light fitment. Silver plated alpacca metal. Patented by L. Aronson in 1935 (USA).

Ronson Table Lighter

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Ronson Touch Tip “Cigarette Box”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1937. Famous automatic torch-lighter. Large cigarette box with wood inlay. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Cigarette Box

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Ronson Touch Tip “Cigarette Dispenser”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1936. Famous automatic torch-lighter. Large automatic cigarette dispenser. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Cigarette Dispenser

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Ronson Touch Tip “Classic””: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1938. Famous automatic torch-lighter. Patented by
L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Classic

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Ronson Touch Tip “Clock”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark 1938. Famous automatic torch-lighter with large clock. This lighter was presented as price of a local golf tournament in Blackpool (GB). Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Clock

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Ronson Touch Tip “DeLuxe”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1938. Famous automatic torch-lighter. Beautiful Art Déco pillar design. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Deluxe

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Ronson Touch Tip “Grecian”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1945. Famous automatic torch-lighter. Post war model with improved mechanism. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Grecian

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Ronson Touch Tip “Modernistic”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. Famous automatic torch-lighter. Large capacity table model for clubs. Impressive modernistic design. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Modernistic

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Ronson Touch Tip “Streamlined”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. Famous automatic torch-lighter. A true object of American Art Déco. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Streamlined

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Ronson Touch Tip “Streamlined”: Made by Art Metal Works, Newark ca. 1935. Famous automatic torch-lighter. A true object of American Art Déco. Patented by L. Aronson in 1934/35.

Ronson Touch Tip Streamlined

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Rowenta: Made by Rowenta Werke, Offenbach, Germany, ca. 1951.
Semi-automatic table lighter. Patented in Germany in 1951 by Karl Maltner (Mylflam).

Rowenta table

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Rowenta: Made by Rowenta Werke, Offenbach, Germany, ca. 1952.
Semi-automatic pocket lighter with safety twist buttons. Patented by heinrich Maltner in 1951.

Rowenta

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Sarastro Strike-Lighter/Cigar Cutter: Made by Sarastro Industrie, Pforzheim, Germany ca. 1920. Hallmarked Silver with bird figure-hallmarks. Steel blade cigar cutter.

Sarastro Striker Cutter

 

Sarastro: Made by Sarastro Industrie, Pforzheim, Germany, ca. 1933.
Semi-automatic pocket lighter with curved rack transport. Silver sleeve. Patented in Switzerland by Adolf Kinzinger in 1932.

Sarastro

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Sarastro Fortuna: Made by Sarastro Industrie, Pforzheim, Germany, ca. 1938.
Semi-automatic pocket lighter with horizontal rack transport. Silver sleeve.

Sarastro Fortuna

 

Sarastro Polaris: Made by Sarastro Industrie, Pforzheim, Germany, ca. 1932.
Automatic pocket lighter with unique mechanism and windguard. Patented in Switzerland by Adolf Kinzinger in 1930.

Sarastro Polaris

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Savoie: Made by Genould & Cie, France, ca. 1940. Concealed mechanism. It opens when the lid is pulled and it closes when the rear lever is pushed down. - Similar to the Stellor-Vega but more complicated. Patented by Genoud in 1938 in France.

Savoie

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Select: Made by an unknown manufacturer, France, ca. 1927. Fantastic mechanism for
flint-change: The wheel is moved by a a hook (like a rack). The hook remains within the lid, when a slide button on the lid is moved up in closed position of the lighter. Then, the
flint-tube can be pulled out. 2nd French tax plate. Patented by Edmond Biehler in France in 1921.

Select

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SGVB: Made by an unknown manufacturer in France ca. 1930. Semi-automatic slide-mechanism, activated by a safety button. Seen with different markings.

SGVB Paris

 

SM: Made in England by SM (Abbrev.)
ca. 1935. Electric table lighter with dry battery and platinum filament. Made of pewter in form of a cocktail shaker. Patented in England in 1932 by Eduard Hibou.

SM

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Sport Feu: Made in Germany, by Goliasch & Co., Berlin, ca. 1890. Early amorce-cap-lighter comprising petrol wick and fusee. Lovely embossed hunting motive. Patented in Germany by Eduard Köhler (Koehler) in 1880.

Sport Feu (Koehler)

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Jagdfeuerzeug (hunting lighter): Made in Austria (K.K. Monarchy), ca. 1890. Early amorce-cap-lighter comprising petrol wick and fusee. It comprises a so called Theatre Lamp, used to find one’s way in a dark theatre plus a fusee for outdoor convenience. This specific model was published by S. Bisconcini on the cover of his book. This is one of very few existing pieces.

Hunting Lighter

 

St. Dupont: Made in France by St. Dupont ca. 1946. Horizontal roller that can be folded away to replace the flint. Early mechanism. Patented by A. Tissot Dupont in 1948. Application in 1945.

St. Dupont

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Stambul: Made in Germany by Mueller & Gruenstein ca. 1929. Semi-automatic table lighter with snap-mechanism.
“Bauhaus”-design. Patented by the manufacturer in Germany in 1929/30.

Stambul

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Stambul: Made in Germany by Mueller & Gruenstein ca. 1929. Semi-automatic pocket lighter with snap-mechanism. Earlier version of the Stambul. Patented by the manufacturer in Germany in 1929/30.

Stambul

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Elektrik: Made in Germany by Mueller & Gruenstein in 1930/31. Semi-automatic pocket lighter. Improved version of the Stambul. 9ct gold engine turned version. importet to England (London import marks of 1930/31). The lighter was presented to a mason, member of the Wallwood lodge
in 1934. Patented by Mueller & Gruenstein in Germany in 1928.

Elektrik

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Elektrik: Made in Germany by Mueller & Gruenstein in 1930/31. Semi-automatic pocket lighter. Improved version of the Stambul. Patented by Mueller & Gruenstein in Germany in 1928.

Elektrik

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Super: Made in Germany ca. 1950 by Wolf & Co.
Semi-automatic pocket lighter comprising a matchbox and a striking face for safety matches. Made from Aluminium. Patented by Jakob Wolf in 1947 - 1952.

Super

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Taco Lite: Made in Germany by Hupe & Bender AG (Offenbach) ca. 1928. Semi-automatic pocket lighter. Lancel Paris commissioned Taco lighters in the early days in order to form their first range of lighters. Patented by Hupe & Bender AG in Germany in 1928.

Taco Lite

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Taco Lite: Made in Germany by Hupe & Bender AG (Offenbach) ca. 1928. Semi-automatic pocket lighter. Lancel Paris commissioned Taco lighters in the early days in order to form their first range of lighters. Patented by Hupe & Bender AG in Germany in 1928.

Taco Lite

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TAN: Made in Switzerland by La Nationale ca. 1955. A great semi-automatic full tank lighter with improved wick-system to control petrol flow. Large fuel capacity. Patented by Theodor Ruetz in Switzerland in 1952 and 1955. Other patents followed. The full tank lighter was an alternative to early butane lighters. The patent was licenced by the KW company.

TAN

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Tausendzunder: Made in Germany by Karl Maltner (GmbH) ca. 1936. Early version of this very popular German pocket lighter. Patented by Heinrich Maltner in 1937 (Germany).

Tausendzuender

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(Le) Taxibriquet: Made in France ca. 1935. Large lighter-filler for public places. Insert a 10 centimes coin (or similar) and turn the knob to the right (full circle). Hold the lighter under the tap for a defined quantity of petrol.

Taxibriquet

 

Thorens Blizzard: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1953. Wonderful semi-automatic pocket lighter with large flint wheel producing a strong spark. A rare design. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1952.

Thorens Blizzard

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Thorens: Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1940. Cigarette case with integrated lighter, activated by a slide-push button. Patented by Hermann Thorens in Switzerland in 1938/39..

Thorens Case

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Thorens Distinction: Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1949. Streamlined and elegant table lighter. Rare colour.

Thorens Distinction

 

Thorens Gasomatic: Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1963. Very progressive design of a butane lighter at it’s time. Perfect synchronisation of gas flow and spark. Exchangeable and refillable
butane tank. Last Thorens lighter before production was ceased. Patented by Marcel Hoessly in 1962.

Thorens Gasomatic

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Thorens Lady Watchlighter: Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1928. Wonderfully proportioned watchlighter. Engine turned Alpacca. Based on Hermann Thorens’ patent of 1919.

Thorens Lady Watchlighter

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Thorens Masterpiece: Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1955. Thorens’ most advanced petrol lighter with a unique automatique mechanism comprising a lock to allow the lid to stay open (for use as lamp). Lovely presentation box. Patented by Herman Thorens in 1952.

Thorens Masterpiece

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Thorens Matchlite: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1935. The late answer to strike-lighters. Unusually to be used with cylindric flints. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1935.

Thorens Matchlite

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Thorens “Nuit de Lune”: Made by Thorens
S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1949. Elegant table lighter.

Thorens Nuit de Lune

 

Thorens Oriflam: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1932.
Semi-automatic action with safety lock on trigger. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1932.

Thorens Oriflam

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Thorens Oriflam “Sport”: Made by Thorens
S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1935.
Semi-automatic action with safety lock on trigger. Circular design with spider-web deco. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1932.

Thorens Oriflam Sport

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Thorens Portor: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1935.
Early table model on a marble base. Based on Hermann Thorens’ patent of 1919.

Thorens Portor

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Thorens Standard (1st model): Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1920.
The first model of Thorens’ standard lighter. It has a simple push button, single claw, a flat bottom and the hinge-cover is part of the lid. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1919.

Thorens Standard 1st Model

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Thorens Standard (2nd model): Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1922.
The second model of Thorens’ standard
lighter. It has a simple push button, single claw, a flat bottom but a re-designed hinge consisting more parts. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1919.

Thorens Standard 2nd Model

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Thorens Standard (3rd model): Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1925.
The third model of Thorens’ standard
lighter. It has a safety push button, single claw, an embossed bottom and a re-designed hinge. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1919.

Thorens Standard 3rd Model

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Thorens Standard Circular: Made by Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1935.
This is the first model with improved double claw system. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1934.

Thorens Standard Circular

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Thorens Standard Lady: Made by
Thorens S.A., Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1928.
A lady-size Standard lighter w. single claw and
screw mount wheel. Made from engine turned silver (935) with Swiss hallmark. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1919.

Thorens Standard Lady

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Thorens Storm: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1940.
Double claw Standard lighter w. windguard.
Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1926.

Thorens Storm

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Thorens Teleflam: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1932.
Early Standard Lighter with telescopic wick for pipe. Patented by Hermann Thorens in 1931.

Thorens Teleflam

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Thorens Vedette: Made by Thorens S.A.,
Ste-Croix, Switzerland ca. 1948.
Elegant semi-automatic lighter with
safety-slide actuator. Patents were pending.

Thorens Vedette

 

Transfo: Made by D’Alton, Paris ca. 1952.
Unique lighter to be used without petrol. The mechanism produces very strong sparks with a special flint and a large friction wheel. It was only suitable for cigarettes and small cigars. Patented by William D’Alton in 1952 (application in 1948)

Transfo

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Transfo D’Alton: Made by D’Alton, Paris ca. 1956. Similar  function like the Transfo but using a blade to grind a flint in the centre of the tube by turning the handle. Patented in 1956 (USA) after application in 1953. Also seen in a version made from Aluminium. This lighter is extremely unusual.
 

Transfo D'Alton

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Tresor “Prima Quality”: Made by Rudolf Stuchly & Sons in Vienna ca. 1912. Early pocket lighter comprising a compartment for spare flints under the central cover. Patented by Rudolf Stuchly, Vienna in 1912/13.

Tresor

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Triumph: Made by Mueller & Gruenstein in Germany, ca. 1935. A lovely design of a
semi-automatic pocket lighter. Mother of pearl finish. Patented by the manufacturer in England in 1931/31.

Triumph

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Universa 1: Probably made by Megill, USA ca. 1885. A very early amorce cap-lighter, able to wind up the used amorce-tape. Patented by Edward L. Megill in 1880 (USA).

Universa 1

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Universal: Made by Universal (a watchmaker) in Geneva ca. 1950. This ligher features an adjustable wick by a thumb-wheel to adjust the flame. Patented in Switzerland.

Universal

 

Upman: Made by Celco, Sidney ca. 1940.  Extemeley unusual and complicated mechanism. Lifting the slide-button opens the lid and moves the whole mechanism up to the level of the wick, where ignition takes place. Marked Pat.

Upman

 

Various: Made in France ca. 1930, this rack mechanism needs to be pulled apart with both hands. Quite impractical but extraordinary. Patented by F. Conill in France in 1929.

Unknown

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Various: A simple but charming small pocket lighter. Made in France ca. 1928.

Unknown

 

Various: Made in USA ca. 1947. This lighter features a unique automatic mechanism. Patented by Warren I. Nissen, USA 1948 .

Unknown

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Various: Made in Germany ca. 1910. The lighter works with a grater, striking the flint when the cap is pulled. This lighter is part of the Auer von Welsbach museum collection in Althofen/Austria.

Unknown

 

Various: Made in France ca. 1926. The lighter works with a grater, striking the flint when the cap is pulled. Used as pipe-lighter or outdoor. Patented by Arthur Hunkler in France in 1926.

Unknown

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Various: Made in France ca. 1922.
Fusee-lighter with unique mechanism to wind and conceal the fusee. Patented by Charles Maille in 1922 (France).

Unknown

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Various: Made in France ca. 1940.
Fusee-lighter with unique mechanism to wind and conceal the fusee. The fusee is lit in closed condition and then the lighter is opened to light a cigarette. - A true outdoor concept. Patented by Georges Gartman and Antoine Théry in 1941 in France.

Unknown

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Various: Probably made in Germany or Austria ca. 1912. A very unusual concept: The mechanism is mounted on the petrol tank and operated by the rack on the sleeve. A metal collar around the rack is missing.

Unknown

 

Various: Made by an unknown manufacturer in France or Germay ca. 1915. Pull lighter with grater mechanism. Extremely unusual.

Unknown

 

Various: Semi-automatic lighter with unusual flint mount. Germany ca. 1915. Semi-circular friction wheel, activated by two hooks. Very unusual design.

Unknown

 

Various: Early Amorce Cap Lighter, marked Isle of Man 1892. Similar to the Koehler patent and probably made in Germany. Semi-automatic action via ring.

Unknown

 

Various: Probably made in France in 1910/11. Commissioned by a wholesaler in Birmingham and sold in England. Sterling housing with Birmingham import marks of 1910. An early semi-automatic grater-lighter.

Unknown

 

Various: Probably made in France in 1910/11. French silver marks. Semi-automatic with horizontal grater. Makers marks with letters ROZ. Lovely design.

Unknown

 

Various: Made in Switzerland ca. 1935. A unique lift-arm lighter with watch. Marked: Swiss brev. déposé. Patented by Hermann Sommer (Demémont), Switzerland in 1930.

Unknown

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Vaudaine: Made in France ca. 1882. Exceptional early Rack lighter with rotating emery-wheel and fusee plus an integrated matchbox with striking face. To operate, the button needs to be pushed hard. Patented by Joseph Vaudaine in 1881.

Vaudaine

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(Système) Vaudaine: Probably made in France ca. 1885. Early Rack lighter with rotating emery-wheel and fusee. Extravagant mechanism.

Vaudaine's System

 

Vulc’Auto: Made in France ca. 1940 by Vulcano (a brand). Very tiny semi-automatic lighter with a concealed mechanism that pops up when the top is moved to the right. Modèle Déposé

Vulc'Auto

 

Wax lighter: Made in USA by Magic Introduction Co. ca. 1891. Semi-automatic Wax-amorce cap-lighter with wax-amorce tape and concealed slide-actuator. Invented by the German Carl Wolf and patented in the USA in 1891.

Wax Lighter

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Wifeu “Twin Lite”: Made in Austria by Wifeu ca. 1950. Interesting semi-automatic lighter with a split petrol tank (two wicks, two filler srews). The mechanism was licenced by Asprey of London but without the split tank. Patented by Charles Bernhardt in 1948 (application in 1938) in Vienna.

Wifeu Twin Lite

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Wifeu: Made in Austria by Wifeu ca. 1950. Interesting semi-automatic table lighter. The mechanism was licenced by Asprey of London. Patented by Charles Bernhardt in 1948 (application in 1938) in Vienna.

Wifeu Ball

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Wrist Lighter: Made in England ca. 1945. A lighter for the wrist, said to by used by
RAF-pilots at the end of WW2. Patented in England by Arthur Smith in 1945 (Prov. Patent marked). Patent was granted in 1948.

Wristlighter

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Zeiler: Made by Ludwig Zwilling in Walldorf (Germany) for Zeiler Berlin ca. 1930. Electric pocket lighter with dry battery and platinum filament. Zeiler was a manufacturer of batteries who prodced torches and lighters in order to promote their batteries. Max Zeiler held many patents for batteries in Germany. The lighter was patented by Ludwig Zwilling in 1929/30.

Zeiler

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Zoom Lighter: Made by New Light Japan ca. 1950. A complicated automatic lighter in form of a camera. The same company made the Henry-Automatic. Presentation box. Patents were pending.

Zoom Lighter

 

Zuendmaschine “Non plus ultra”: Made in Austria ca. 1885 by an unknown manufacturer. A magnificent amorce-cap table lighter comprising an igniting device like the Erie- or the Koehler cap lighters. Missing burner and ashtray. Marked: K.K. Privilegium (a patent).

Zuendmaschine