Ronson Tablelighter Banjo, 1927

The Ronson "Tablelighter" came in two versions that can be distinguished by the applied lighter fitment: Banjo and De-Light. The older version (Banjo fitment) of the Ronson "Tablelighter" also called Ronson Banjo Table Lighter was manufactured between 1927 and 1928 in Newark, New Jersey, USA. It was one of the earliest tabletop automatic lighter in the world.

The lighter was made of brass and silver plated. The front and rear panel were covered with snake and Marocco leather. Some of the examples were left without covering.

The casing of the Banjo Lighter was designed by L.V. Aronson and patented on the 17th May 1927 (filled for patent on 2nd February, 1927). The illustration below shows a side elevation of the lighter and an edge view. It comes from the granted patent no. 72,658.

The bottom is padded with green felt. The lighter is marked on the snuffer:

RONSON LIGHTER
P'T'D DEC, 31,1918
OTHER PAT'S P'D'G

as well on the fuel screw on the bottom:

RONSON LIGHTER

PAT. NO 72,658 MAY 17,1927

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition: 1 412 zł–600.00 (approx 1 212 zł–450.00)

Weight: 150 grams (0.33 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.3 cm (4.8")
• width: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• depth: 3.4 cm (1.3")