Lighters manufacturers by country

This list should help to organize the major lighters manufacturers (makers) all over the world and assign the years when the companies were active.

Austria

• Champ (1950s–1970s)
• Condor (1930s)
• Cyklon (1910s–1920s)
• Arthur Dubsky Metallwarenfabrik, INGAD (1905–1945) 
• Fackel (1920s)
  
• Flatty (1930s)
• Golf (1930s)
• IMCO (Ifa = IMCO Feuerzeuge Austria) (1918–present)
• Kaba (1939–1945)
• KARAT Werk Wien, Metall- u. Plastikwarenfabrik GmbH (1945–1979)
• MEB (1930s)
• Orlik (1924–1940)
• Pino King (1930s)
• Richard Kohn, RK (1909–1920s)
• TCW, Karl Auer Baron von Welsbach (1920s–1940s)
  
• Tresor (1910s–1930s)

Czechoslovakia (later Czech Republic and Slovakia) 

• AN (1933–1948)
• Erho (1930s–1940s)
• Fork (1930s)
• K-B, Kablo (1933–1942)

United States of America (U.S.A.)

• American Safety Razor, ASR (1940s–1950s)
• Baier (1930s)
• Bagley (1940s)
• Berkley (1950s)
• Beattie Products (1944–1960s)
  
• Bowers (1928–present)
• Brighton (1930s)
• Brown & Bigelow (1950s–1960s)
• Capitol (1910s)
• Clark (1920s–1940s)
• Comet (1930s)
• Douglas (1920s)
• Elgin-Otis (1920s–1950s)
• Evans (1918–1980)
• Golden Wheel (1920s–1940)
• Gotham (1930s)
• Guth Stern & Co Inc, Allbright (1927–1948)
• Hamilton (1940s–1950s)
• Hy Glo Products Co. (1930s–1949)
• Harvey Avedon (1950s)
• Marathon (1915–1940s)
• Mappin & Webb (1920s)
• MEB (1920s)
• Metco (1930s)
• Nasco (1920s)
• Nassau (1900s-1910s)
• Negbaur (1930–1950s)
• Nimrod (1950–1960s)
• Parker (1950–1956)
• Park Sherman (1930s–1970s)
• Ritepoint (1940s–1950s)
• Ronson, Art Metal Works (1909–present)
• Scripto (1954–1977)
• Triangle (1928–1942)
• United (1940s–1960s)
  
• Zippo (1932–present)

France

• Abdulla (1924–1960s)
• Abel Charles (1950s)
• A.G., Gorin (1890s)
• A.G. Colombo (1960s)
• Ajax (1940s)
• Alpha (1950s)
• Aluvac (1940s)
• AMY (1950s)
• Aquilon, Aquilux (1940s–1950s)
• Autolux (1951–1956)
• Ardens (1920s)
• ARCI (1960s)
• Ardens (1920s)
• ARKA (1940s)
• Arras (1940s–1950s)
• Arthus Bertrand (1950s)
• ATOM (1940s)
• ATOMIC (1960s)
• AT (1940s–1950s) 
• Azur Monaco (1920s–1930s)
• BABY, Brevet Rene Marie Bourdon (1920s)
• Ballot (1920s)
• BBR (1920s)
• BEN-HUR (1930s)
• Berry (1960s)
• Besancon (1949–1961)
• BIC (1973–present)
• Bijou (1920s)
• Billambois (1950s)
• BISSON, Ferdinand Bisson (1921–1929)
• BL (1920s)
• Boite Amadou (1940s)
• Bonovent (1930s)
• Boucheron (1910s–1940s)
• Bric'Lux MD (1940s)
• Brissaud MD (1950s)
• Brisevent (1920s–1932)
• B.L. (1930s–1940s)
• CALOR (1950s)
• Camelia (1930s)
• Canichou (1960s)
• Cartier (1847–present)
• Capri (1930s–present)
• Capitan (1950s)
• CC (1910s)
• CCC (1930s)
• C.D. Paris (1930s–1940s)
• CEB (1910s)
• Celtic (1930s–1940s)
• Chanteloup (1920–1952)
• Chasseur (1930s–1940s)
• Chic (1920s)
• Chipie (1970s)
• Christian Dior (1950s–present)
• Ciex (1930s)
• Claverie J. MD (1940s–?)
• Clodion Jerrican (1940s)
• Conte (early 1930s–1940s)
• CoP Paris (1934–1936)
• Cricket (1962–present)
• Cyclone (1910s–1920s)
• DAM (1950s)
• Dandy (1933–1950s)
• Dauphin (1960s)
• Decat (1950s)
• Deniel's (1919–1960s)
• Djeep (1970s)
• Doncor (1960s)
• Drago (1930–1976)
• Ducat (1940s)
• Durant (1960s)
• E B (1945–1950s)
• ECA (1950s)
• Ecla (1930s)
• Eclair (1910–1940s)
• Elegant (1940s)
• Elge (1920s)
• Elit (1940s–1950s)
• Elve (1930s)
• Elysée (1940s–1950s)
• EPC (1910s)
• Erlac (1948–1940s)
• Etincelle (1930s)
• Europe (1930s–1940s)
• Fanal (1955–1960s)
• Fauchon (1950s)
• Favor (1945–1950s)
• Ferro (1920s)
• Feuclair (1910)
• Feudor (1924–1981)
• Feujeve (1920s)
• Feu-Rex, Dandy (1910s–1930s)
• F.G. (1910s)
• Fire-Jet (1960s)
• Fix Fire (1960s) 
• Flameclair (1930s)
• Flami Flamy (1980s)
• Flamidor (1890s–present)
  
• Flaminaire (1947–1975)
• Flamm'Lux (1940s)
• Flamor (1930s) 
• Flex (1939–1944)
• Floating (1930s)
• Fokalux (1930s)
• Follet & Cie, Ain (1930–1968) 
• Formisyn (1920s)
• Fram (1950s)
• Fujiama (1927–1940s)
• Fulgur (1950s)
• GFMC (1960s)
• GG 14 (1910s)
• Givenchy (?)
• GLC (1930s)
• Helios (1930s)
• Hermes (1931–1950s)
  
• H-M (1940s ?)
• Lancel (1928–1965)
• L’Aquilon (1916–1940s)
• Lux (1930s–1940s)
• Luxuor (1930s–1940s)
• Luxtrik (1930s–1940s)
• Quercia (1930s–1950s)
• Meteor (1930s–1940s)
• Mont Blanc, MTBL (1940s–present)
• Molux (1930s)
• Myon (1930–1940s)
• Nova (1930s–1950s)
• S.t. Dupont (1940–present)
• Ostertag (1938–1939)
• Olympic (1940s)
• Polaire (1930s–1940s)
• Savent (1930s)
• Van Cleef & Arpels (1925–1939)
• Vulc Auto (1930s)
  

Monaco

• Azur (1940s)

Italy

• SAFFA, Società Anonima Fabbriche Fiammiferi e Affini (1938–1980s)

Great Britain (England)

• Allverne (1930s)
• Alvem (1920s–1930s)
• Asprey (1910s–1950s)
• Beney Lighters (1919–1950s)
• Balita (1950s)
• Barford (1930s)
• Charles (1940s–1950s)
• Classic (1927–1939)
• Colibri, previously JBELO (1928–present)
• Dunhill (1907–present)
• Everest (1932–1935)
• Fireline (late 1940s–1950s)
• Flintop (1940s–1950s)
• Hahway (1920s)
• Jest (1940s)
• Maurice (1930s)
  
• McMurdo (1949–1955)
• Mosda (1947–1969)
  
• Orlik (1916–1940s)
• Parker (1925–1939)
  
• Polo (1933–1950s)
• Premier (1925–1928)
• Unity (1934–1939)
• Viveroy (1920s)
  

Germany

• Altenpohl & Pilgram, A.P. (1935–1950s)
• Auti (1940s)
• Baier, Frankfurt am Mein (1945–1960s)
• BeBe, Bruchhaus & Baltrusch (1919–1980)
• Braun AG, Kronberg (1966–1983)
• Bruma (1922–1939)
• Carlton (1930s)
• Chic (1940s)
• Chronos (1910s–1920s)
• Consul (GK) (1952–1972)
• Dobereiner (1830s)
• Durkopp (1910s–1920s)
• D.R.G.M. (1910s–1930)
• Eclydo (1950s)
• ELDRO - Herman E. Drollinger (1925–1978)
• FBM (1964–1970s)
• Gebrüder Köllisch (GK) Metalwarenfabrik (1910–1971)
• Gesch (1910s–1930s)
• Hahway (1910s–1930s)
• H/R (1940s)
• Ibelo (1919–1996)
  
• Ideal (1930s–1940s)
• Kaschie, Firma Karl Schieder Metalwarenfabrik, Nürnberg (1919–1965)
• Karl Wieden, KW, KAWEE, KAAWEE (1914–1950s)
• Kremer Metal Works (1930s–1940s)
• Mylflam (1910–1970's)
• Paul Grunwald, Metallwarenfabrik, Berlin (Dr. Günther Schmidt) (1920s–1945)
  
• Sarastro (1928)
• Rowenta (1948–1993)
• VEB Metallgeräte Elgersburg, Thüringen, DDR (1948–1990)
• VEB Luckenwalder Metallwaren Fabrik, Luckenwalde, DDR (1949–1975)
• VEB Hydraulik Rochlitz Werk IV, Geringswalde (1958–1980s)

Switzerland

• Combo (1930s)
• Eterna (1920s–1930s)
• Hermanns (1930s)
• Juvenia (1928–1936)
  
• La Nationale (1920–present)
• Marxman (1960s)
• Thorens (1919–1960s)

Japan

• CMC (1940s)
• Crown (1940s–1950s)
• Hadson Beach (1970s–1980s)
• K.K.W. (1940s–1950s)
• Maruman Co (1950–present), lighter production only in the 1960s and 1970s
• MTC (1950s–1960s) 
• Supreme (1950s–1964)
• Swank (1950s–1960s)

Poland

• Premet S.A., Pieszyce (1945–2011)
• Zygmunt Konopczyński (1910–1930s)
• ZZSD Predom Termet in Świebodzice (1970s–1980s)

Ronson Puritan, 1936

This Ronson Puritan was first manufactured in 1936. It was only produced in Newark, N.J. (U.S.). There are at least three different versions of this lighter – they vary mainly in some details in the upper part. On the first spot it is easy to confuse this lighter with the earliest versions of the Ronson Decanter – the only difference is the four legged base.

This wick lighter has a radiused rim on the top. It is twice as light as the Ronson Decanter though the dimensions are almost the same.

The Puritan is a handy lighter designed in the Art Deco style. It is covered with a thick layer of silver which is additionally protected by a transparent lacquer which often is partly deteriorated. The four-legged base is padded with green felt.

The Ronson Puritan was also sold in 1949 in 2-piece (cigarette holder + lighter) and 3-piece set (tray + cigarette holder + lighter). I saw them only once.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the long lever side press:

RONSON
U.S. PAT. RE.
NO.19,023

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $350.00–550.00 (approx €250.00–390.00)

Weight: 133 grams (0,29 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 11.0 cm (4.3")
• diameter: 5.0 cm (1,97")

Bulb, Sterling, ca. 1954

The 'Bulb' table lighter was manufactured in ca. 1954. The base of the lighter is in the shape of a bulb and it is made of glass (not crystal glass) and silver sterling (925). It has a sterling plain rim with raised beading around the inside edge and marked 'STERLING'. The maker of this lighter is unknown though the base was most probably manufactured whether in Japan or in the United States.

The lighter was also sold with a matching ashtray and cigarette urn. The set is very similar from the shape on to the previous described Hy Glo & Frank M. Whiting, glass and sterling, 1931.

The lighter insert is a standard chrome plate insert made in Japan. Marked on the bottom 'JAPAN'.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $20.00–35.00 (approx €15.00–25.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0,3 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.4 cm (2.1")
• diameter: 5.8 cm (2.3")

A.S.R. Florentine Dagger Lighter, 1952

The "Florentine Dagger" was manufactured in 1952 by the American Safety Razor Co. in the United States (Brooklyn, New York). It is a fine example of a mid-century multipurpose Ascot product which combines a lighter, paper weight and a letter opener. In desperate moments it can also be used as a dagger – a short bladed stabbing weapon. It was available in four different finishes – with faux green, black, gold and jade marble-like plastic handle.

The Florentine Dagger Lighter was marketed in a presentation box and was also available with a matching sturdy leather-like sheath in brown, black or green. Marked on the blade:

A·S·R· Ascot
(R)
–
MADE IN U.S.A.
PAT. D–165250

The lighter insert has an automatic 'Light-Switch Action' and stays lit without holding. It is marked:

A·S·R· CORP.
315 JAY ST.
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
PATENT D-146973
–
PAT. RE. 23,207
MADE IN U.S.A.

One of the advertisement published in the "Life" magazine in 1952 says about this product: "Most dramatic lighter of the year - the Florentine Dagger by Ascot. Lighter... letter opener... paperweight and distinguished desk ornament all in one, the Florentine's distinctive Renaissance design and authentic detail make it a lighter to be prized, a gift to be treasured. At smarter stores, coast-to-coast."

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $30.00–55.00 (approx €20.00–40.00)

Weight: 198 grams (0,44 pounds), sheath – 22 grams (0,05 pounds)

Dimensions:

• length: 24,7 cm (9.57")
• width: 7.3 cm (2.87")
• height: 1.5 cm (0.59")

Sarome, Ronson Crown imitation, ca. 1953

This Sarome table lighter is probably the best example of a fine imitation of the Ronson Crown. It has even a better construction than the original. The Sarome wick lighter was manufactured between 1953 and 1954 in Japan.

Sarome Co., Ltd. was founded in March 1940 by Kunijiro Segawa in Tokyo, Japan and it was specializing mainly in manufacturing toys. The first cigarette lighters were manufactured in February 1952. Since 1955 butane gas lighters were added to the company's portfolio. The Sarome company still exist and is well known for its high quality luxury cigarette lighters.

The base of the lighter as well the lighter insert are chrome plate. The lighter insert, in opposite to the Ronson Crown, is removable which makes it more user friendly regarding its maintenance. A very good quality of craftsmanship in terms of quality. Not many of these lighters were made which makes them a very rare find.

It is worth to know that SAROME means 'god of flames'.

The bottom of the base is padded with green felt.

Marked on the bottom of the lighter insert:

SGW. MFG. CO.
SAROME RTM. NO. 29659
SUPER LIGHTER

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $65.00–120.00 (approx €45.00–85.00)

Weight: 210 grams (0,46 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 4.5 cm (1.8")
• depth: 7.5 cm (3.0")

Fisher & Evans,1954

This table lighter is fine example of Art Deco style and was manufactured by Fisher Silversmith Inc. in 1954 in Jersey City (New Jersey, United States). The company prospered from 1936 to the 1970s. It manufactured sterling and silver-plated flatware and hollowware, mainly in modern design like Art Deco.
The base of the lighter is made of sterling silver – 925 grade of silver. It is weighted and marked. The lighter is prism-shaped and has a irregular hexahedron base.

The lighter insert was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of brass and is silver electroplate. The release is shell-shaped (conchiform).

Type: petrol (wick) lighter
Marked on the bottom:

FISHER

STERLING WEIGHTED

2548

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $90.00–160.00 (€65–115)

Weight: 285 grams (0,63 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.3 cm (3.27")
• width: 6.6 cm (2.6")
• depth: 5.0 cm (1.97")

Ronson Empress Varaflame Onyx, 1964

The Ronson Empress (Onyx) was manufactured in England between 1964 and 1969. This table lighter was made in white (see picture) and green onyx.

The removable lighter insert – the Varaflame – is gold-color-plated and has a fingertip flame control. The lighter insert is fastened to the base with a black plastic screw.

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Writing on the underside of the base (screw):

RONSON (R)
REGD. TRADE MARK

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $35.00–60.00 (approx €25.00–45.00)

Weight: 360 grams (0.79 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 9.2 cm (3.6")
• depth: 3.6 cm (1.42")

United, Clearfloat, Automobile, ca. 1955

The United Automobile table lighter was manufactured between 1955 and 1956 in the United States by United Findings Co Inc. This wick lighter is a typical example of the industrial use of the clear float technology (based on the idea of inclusion) which was very popular in the 1950s in the U.S.

The base of the lighter is made of clear float lucite which is a transparent thermoplastic commonly known as plexiglas. Within the lucite is a small metal model depicting the 1902–03 Cadillac Runabout with Tonneau which also reminds the 1903 Ford Model A (the first car produced by Ford Motor Company). This should not be a surprise as Henry Ford was the chief engineer at Cadillac till 1903.

The lighter insert is removable and covered with a gold-tone lacquer. Marked on the underside:

MADE IN U.S.A.
UNITED
PAT. 2,723,547

The base is padded with four small rounded felt pads.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $85.00–160.00 (approx €60.00–115.00)

Weight: 300 grams (0,66 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.74")
• width: 6.3 cm (2.48")
• depth: 4.8 cm (1.89")

How to maintain table wick lighters?

Owing a table wick lighter is connected with maintaining it. This post will answer the most common questions like:

1. How to fuel?
2. How to replace flint?
3. How to replace wick?

Below a scan of the Ronson Tempo instruction on "How to use and care for your Ronson table lighter" from the year 1955. Click on it to see the details. This instruction applies not only for Ronson lighters but for most table lighters available on the market whatever the brand is.

Hint: When you try to replace flint in your lighter which was not used for a longer time - this often implies vintage cigarette lighters - you will probably need to find out if the earlier flint did not got frozen (stuck). When you noticed that the flint dissolved it is vital to crush it carefully with (for instance) a small screwdriver. Sometimes you will need to take off the top in order to have a better access to the flint.

Below another instruction "How to Assure Long Life for your Ronson Table & Desk Lighter" from 1949 (United Kingdom):

This "Important Instructions. How to insure long life for your Ronson Table and Desk Lighter" dates the year 1952 (United States):

Ronson Varaflame Brushed, 1966

The Ronson Varaflame Brushed Alu was manufactured only in England in ca. 1966. The surface of the base of the lighter has a mottled brushed pattern which was used among others on the top of the Ronson trays (look Queen Anne Set). The color of the base is cream pearl.

The removable lighter insert – the Varaflame – is chrome-plated and has a fingertip flame control decorated with a light blue Swarovski crystal.

The base is padded with black felt. The lighter insert is fastened to the base with a black plastic screw.

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Writing on the underside of the base:

RONSON (R)
REG. TRADE MARK
-
MADE IN ENGLAND
PATENTED
RD. DES.

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $40.00–65.00 (approx €30.00–45.00)

Weight: 400 grams (0,88 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 9.2 cm (3.6")
• depth: 3.6 cm (1.42")

Ronson Gloria Table Lighter, 1952

The Ronson Gloria was first manufactured in 1952. The production went on till 1954 in Newark (USA). It is heavy silver-plated (partly polished and satin) and uses the same lighter fitment as the Ronson Juno, Leblanc Clarinet Bell and Ronson Penciliter. The lighter insert is removable.

The pattern used at the bottom of the base is very similar to that used in the Ronson Queen Anne which makes the cigarette urn of the Queen Anne also a good match.

The base is padded with cork. The silver plate is protected by a transparent lacquer.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the underside:

(R) RONSON
"GLORIA"
U.S. PATS. RE. NO. 19,023
2.002.845
OTHER U.S. & FOR.
PATS. PDG.
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.
 

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: 169 zł–95.00 (approx 148 zł–70.00)

Weight: 335 grams (0,74 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.5 cm (3.35")
• width: 5.5 cm (2.17")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

Ronson Varaflame Empire, 1964

This Ronson Varaflame Empire is one of the four table lighters from the "Ronson's Hidden Lighter Collection". They were advertised as: "table lighters for people who hate table lighters". This heavy lighter was introduced into the American market in 1964. The production ceased short after that in 1969. It was probably manufactured only in Woodbrigde (New Jersey) in United States. It was not a bestseller which makes this lighter rather uncommon.

This Ronson has a light (made mainly from plastic) Varaflame fitment which has a fingertip flame adjustment. The top of the lighter insert has a metal cover which was available silver plated or chrome plated.

The top (the lighter insert is mounted there) and the base of the lighter is quite heavy as they are casted from metal and heavy silver-plated. The base is three legged and padded with green felt.

Overall a nice, "distinguished" and timeless collectors' lighter.

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Writing on the underside (sticker):

"VARAFLAME (R)
EMPIRE"
fashioned by
(C) RONSON (R)
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. U.S.A.

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $55.00–100.00 (approx €40.00–70.00)

Weight: 405 grams (0,9 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 8.6 cm (3.38")
• depth: 4.4 cm (1.73")

A.S.R. Heritage Set, 1949

The "Heritage" Set was manufactured between 1949 and 1953 by the American Safety Razor Co in the United States (Brooklyn, New York). The set consists of a lighter, cigarette holder and a tray. It was available in gleaming copper and rhodium finish or solid brass. A very original set due to its unusual design and the black bakelite handles.

The lighter as well the cigarette urn are standing on three legs which are padded with green felt. They are marked on the bottom:

ASR (R)
MADE IN
U.S.A.

The lighter insert has an automatic 'Light-Switch Action' and stays lit without holding. It is marked:

A.S.R. CORP.
315 JAY ST.
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
PATENT D-146973
-
PAT. RE. 23,207
MADE IN U.S.A.

The tray is unmarked. It is relatively light and engraved with different flourish patterns.

One of the advertisement published in the Times in 1950 says about this set: "Decorators say it's the last word in table touches for living room, library or den! This magnificent A.S.R. 'Heritage' Table Lighter is at home in any setting, traditional or modern. And what a wonderfully different lighter it is! No other like it. Only the 'Heritage' has a handle! You can actually serve a light!"

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): $85.00–150.00 (approx €60.00–110.00)

Weight: tray – 132 grams (0,29 pounds), cigarette urn – 152 grams (0,34 pounds), lighter – 170 grams (0,37 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• width: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

2. Tray

• height: 1.2 cm (0.47")
• width: 23.5 cm (9.25")
• depth: 17.0 cm (6.7")

3. Cigarette holder

• height: 5.5 cm (2.17")
• width: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")