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")