Tiffany & Co Witchball, 1956

The Witchball table lighter was made by Tiffany & Co. between 1956 and 1958 in London, England. This figural wick lighter presents a witch ball which have been very popular since the 18th century in England. Witch balls appeared later in the 19th century in other European countries as well as in America. The function of witch balls was to ward off evil spirits, witch's spells or ill fortune.

Witch balls integrated with lighters were quite popular in the 1950s. Very alike to the Tiffany's lighter is the Witchball manufactured by Richard Comyns (silverware, active since 1920 in London) in cooperation with the British lighter manufacturer - Rolstar.

The unweighted round base of the Witchball lighter is made of sterling - 925 grade of silver. It is also marked on the bottom:

T&Co

(silver hallmarks)

Witchball
Tiffany & Co
ENGLAND
STERLING

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $100.00–150.00 (approx €70.00–100.00)

Weight: approx. 250 grams (0.56 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.6 cm (3.00")
• diameter: 6.9 cm (2.75")

This post was published owing to Charlotte. Thank you!