Table lighters collectors' guide: 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")

About this blog

This blog mainly focuses on vintage wick and gas table, desk lighters manufactured in the years 1910–1970. For all lighters and accessories pictured in the blog, there is a comprehensive description, with dimensions, weight and values. Please see the grading standards and the value/scarcity assessment below.

Apart of lighters this blog will offer also other posts containing reviews of books for collectors, vintage ads, history of main lighters corporations, interesting facts and so on. The aim of this blog is to establish a comprehensive source of vintage cigarette lighters - the best you can find ever.

This is going to be a everyday intellectual adventure for every cigarette lighters collector. I hope you will enjoy reading this blog and pop in as frequently as possible.

Scarcity and pricing

The tendency of a clear trend is noticeable - more and more people are interested in collecting vintage lighters. This affects the lighters market and the prices tend to rise as the supply is very limited. This concerns especially models made in small quantities and good quality.

The market prices of the described table lighters are constantly monitored and brought up to date which means this blog offers you the best idea of the estimated price for you lighters. Currently my special designed software monitors and prepares reports on more than 250 million on-line auctions which are listed all over the world. Additionally I take the advantage of good developed collectors net and other references.

Please note that all suggested prices for lighters on this blog are quoted in the range of good condition to mint condition - that is why the price variation is so high. The poor condition and fair condition are not taken into account.

The taxonomy of comparative scarcity of lighters was prepared by many collectors. The best usability has got the taxonomy proposed by Urban K. Cummings:

Common: Lighters in this category were typically made in large quantities or in recent times or both. These would be the easiest to find and most readily abundant.

Uncommon: Less abundant than common category but not rare by any means. Not difficult to find.

Rare: This category would be considered more scarce than uncommon but still findable given sufficient time and the willingness to search.

Very rare: Very difficult to find. These lighters are seldom seen for sale. Usually found only in very complete collections.

Extremely rare: Extremely difficult to find. This category, the scarcest of all, belongs to those models which may have been made only in small quantities. Extremely rare to see them for sale.

Grading Standards

Mint: Void of any trace of use, wear or flaws. Perfect operating condition. Lighters that have come directly from the manufacturer without use are considered in this category. Original packaging, instructions and tags included. (MIB=Mint in box).

Excellent: Like new, no handling wear is apparent, evidence of use is minimal. May or not carry original box, packaging, instructions or tags.

Very good: Perfect working condition, may have slight imperfections, such as minor abrasions on enameled or plated surface. Void of chips, dents and scratches to the base metal.

Good: Good working condition. Some evidence of use: scratches, minor dents, small chips in enameled surfaces, plating 90% intact with minimal base metal showing through. Flaws must not detract from overall appearance of the lighter.

Fair: Lighter is operational with no missing parts. May have severe scratches and some denting, enamel may be missing or faded, printing or engraved images may be worn and unreadable.

Poor: Lighter need not be working and may be missing parts.

Source: Pocket Lighter & Pyro Gadgets (PLPG)

Table lighters collectors' guide

Ronson Empress Varaflame Onyx, 1964

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