Ronson American Classic Table Lighter, modern example

The Ronson 'American Classic' Table Lighter is a modern example of the table lighters manufactured these days. It was manufactured between the year 2001 and 2003 in China and distributed mainly by Ronson in Italy and the USA. This table lighter has a bronze antique finish with a floral pattern. The base is padded with black velvet.

The removable lighter insert – the Ronson Whale – is the successor of the  Ronson Varaflame Windmaster which was also equipped with a wind housing. This butane lighter insert has a typical flint ignition and the flame can be controlled. Only the lighter insert is marked: RONSON Whale. 

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for mint condition: $45.00 (approx €30.00)

Weight: 395 grams (0,87 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.6 cm (3.4")
• width: 7.1 cm (2.8")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.2")
  

Hamilton Ship Wheel Table Lighter, 1940

This Ship's Wheel Table Lighter made by Hamilton was first manufactured in 1940 in the United States. This nautical figural lighter is heavy chrome plated (no. 3QR7561B) - likely the other most famous Hamilton products: the Airplane and the Knight Table Lighter. The top as well the bottom are painted in black. It was though also available in brass finish (no. 3QR7562C) which is rare.

The wick lighter lights by turning the wheel. The lighter is marked on the underside of the base:

MADE IN U.S.A.
PAT PEND.

or 
 

MADE IN U.S.A.
A PRODUCT OF HAMILTON
PAT PEND.

A magazine advertisement from the 1940 says: Marine Style-Turn the Wheel-Lights Up. Here's just the right nautical touch for desk, smoking stand or den-a ship's wheel lighter that never misses. Just turn the wheel and it lights up with a steady lighthouse flame. Designed with all the smooth trimness of true marine engineering and finished in brilliant chromium or brass that will not tarnish or stain. Holds oceans of fluid so that it will go week after week without being refilled, lighting up faithfully at the flick of a finger. Lighter stands 5 inches in height.

A similar lighter design was used by Dunhill and it is rare. It fetches prices above $250.-.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition: $75.00–100.00 (approx €50.00–65.00)

Weight: 330 grams (0,73 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.9 cm (3.0")
• diameter: 7.3 cm (2.5")

A.S.R. Classic Table Lighter, 1949

The 'Classic' (model no. 1250 T) was manufactured in 1949 by the American Safety Razor Co. in the United States (Brooklyn, New York).  This model was available only in gleaming rhodium finish.

The look of the table lighter refers to the Arts and Crafts Movement. The A·S·R 'Classic' was marketed in a silver presentation box. The base of the lighter is padded with green felt. It is marked on the base:

A·S·R
(R)

LIGHTER

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. APP. FOR
MADE IN U.S.A.

One of the advertisement published in the "Life" magazine in 1949 says about this product: "A·S·R 'Classic' Table Lighter in luxurious Rhodium finish. Won't tarnish, can be machine engraved. Great fuel capacity and all other distinctive A·S·R features."

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $40.00–60.00 (approx €30.00–45.00)

Weight: 290 grams (0,64 pounds)

Dimensions:

• length: 7.9 cm (3.11")
• width: 4.4 cm (1.73")
• height: 6.6 cm (2.6")