S.T. Dupont Cylinder Table Lighter, 1971

The S.T. Dupont Cylinder Table Lighter model is a modern example of a luxury gas cigarette lighter made in France. It was marketed since 1971 around the world and discontinued probably in 1997. It had a three year guarantee and came in a red giftbox. 

The lighter is electroplated in 18 karat gold and covered in black Chinese lack. It was also available only in gold or silver plate finish. 

Turn the gold plated hand wheel to the left and the flame appears. You migh also change the shape of the flame when the top is open. On the bottom there is the gas filler and the height controler.

This Dupont butane table lighter is marked on the bottom as well on the front of the hand wheel: 

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for mint condition: $300-500

Weight: 515 grams (1.35 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.9 cm (4.3")
• diameter: 4.4 cm (1.73")

Advert: A·S·R· The 'Heritage' & 'Classic' Table Lighters, 1949

Xmas magazine advertisement published in LIFE, on the 5th December 1949. It depicts among others two table lighters: 'Heritage' & 'Classic' made by A·S·R· Corp (Ascot).

Tinder Pistol Lighter, ca. 1710–1730

Tinder Pistol Lighters are the earliest lighters. They were invented in the mid-seventeenth century. They were converted by gunsmiths from broken guns and used the barrel to store tinder instead of gunpowder. The working mechanism was simple though not very save to use at home - the trigger released a mechanism that struck a piece of iron and directed the sparks onto the tinder which ignite. Tinder pistols were expensive and were owned only by a small and wealthy minority of households.

The described flintlock tinder pistol was most probably made between 1710 and 1730 in Europe. It has a interesting shaped wooden handle finished with a ivory bead. The body, trigger and hammer are made of steel. In the picture below one can see the compartment for tinder and a receptacle for a small candle. This Tinder Pistol is not marked.

How does a tinder pistol lighter work? Tinder pistols do have a hidden compartment on the back side of the action used for storing tinder. When the trigger is pulled the cock drops throwing a shower of sparks into the tinder thus starting a small flame from which the candle is ignited. The lit candle was then used to light fires, stoves, other candles, etc. around the home.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good condition: $700.00–900.00 (approx €500.00–700.00)

Weight: 240 grams (0.53 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height:   8.5 cm (4.35")
• length: 18.0 cm (7.1")
• width:   4.5 cm (1.78")