Friday, July 17, 2009

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. D165250

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")

10 comments:

  1. Is it made of gold?

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  2. Absolutely not. The blade is made of brass and it is only gold color lacquered

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  3. Anonymous22 July, 2010

    I own The ASCOT lighter on the bottom. The coil is broken.. Other then that it works. Where can I get it fixed?

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  4. Difficult to say without having it inspected... I understand that fixing it is not only a matter of gluing? For such questions it is better to use the forum (http://collecting-lighters.com/) where you also can post some pictures.

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  5. I have a repaired one of these that must have been a "give-away" as it is engraved with Grosfeld House". How does this open? The flint still sparks but I can not figure how to put fuel?

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  6. I have the same problem, How do you fill it up w/ fuel ?

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  7. I have one in mint condition, jade. All new in box. Never opened and with all the papers and the sheath. How much could it be worth?

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  8. I also have one but haven't figured out how to put fuel in it either.

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  9. The only thing to do in order to service the lighter is take the lighter insert out of the dagger housing. You need to pull it out!

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  10. I have same issue. Tried pulling the lighter off. Won't budge. Any suggestions?

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