Ronson & Rosenthal Smoking Set, 1971

This smoking set was crafted in cooperation by Ronson and Rosenthal GmbH between 1971 and 1973 in West Germany. Ronson made the lighter insert and Rosenthal the porcelain base. Rosenthal is a famous German porcelain manufacturer. The company was established by Philipp Rosenthal in 1879 (now part of Sambonet Paderno). The products were first marked with the company name in 1907. Rosenthal produced many innovative designs under its higher end "Studio Linie" brand.

The painting on the base was made by Bjørn Wiinblad (1918–2006)  a Danish painter, designer and artist in ceramics, silver, bronze, textiles, and graphics. His work has been shown widely all over the world. Wiinblad was an important designer for the Rosenthal porcelain company since 1957 till his death in 2006.

Wiinblad designed ceramic pieces for Nymolle, a Danish pottery and of course cooperated with the Ronson Company. At least nine different models of table lighters are known that were signed by Bjørn Wiinblad. Wiinblad was named Man of the Year in New York in 1985 and was awarded the American-Scandinavian Foundation’s Cultural Prize of 1995.

The table lighter uses the Ronson round Varaflame gas fitment. It is chromme plated. Different finishes of the finger flame control are known. One of them is the blue Swarovski crystal - see picture.

Marked on the bottom of the base:

Rosenthal
studio-linie
GERMANY
-
design: Bjørn Wiinblad

 

Lighter insert marked:

RONSON (R)
MADE IN W. GERMANY

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon-very rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $40.00–200.00 (approx €30.00–150.00)

Weight:

• lighter: 235–265 grams (0.52–0.58 pounds)
• cigarette holder:  223 grams (0.5 pounds)
  

Dimensions:

Cigarette holder:

• height: 8.1 (3.2")
• width: 6.0 cm (2.4")
• length: 9.5 cm (3.7")
  

Table lighter:

• height: 10.0 cm (3.9")
• width: 6.0 cm (2.4")
• length: 9.5 cm (3.7")