Ronson Wedgwood Imperial Table Lighter, 1954

This wick table lighter was made in 1954 and 1955 in England by Ronson and Wedgwood. Wedgwood is a British pottery firm, founded on May 1, 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95). The company still exists and is noted for its numerous innovations and high-quality wares that achieved renown throughout the world. Wedgwood's name is synonymous with the Jasper Ware body type.

The main themes on the company's jasper ware have all been taken from ancient mythologies: Roman, Greek or Egyptian. The initial decision to have antique designs was probably that as Britain entered an age of great industrialization, the demand for luxurious goods subsequently exploded. Meanwhile, the archeological fever caught the imagination of many artists. Nothing could have been more suitable to satisfy this huge business demand than to produce replicas of artefacts. Wedgwoods pottery is  very collectibles nowadays.

The Ronson Wedgwood Imperial was available both in silver-plated  (see picture) and goldplated fitment which was based on a face-lifted Ronson Rondelight. The  lighter insert is mounted in Blue Jasper base made by Wedgwood with overlaid design – heads of aries (rams) holding strings of flowers – in white ceramic.

The lighter base is padded with beige felt. The Ronson Imperial was also sold with a matching ashtray.

Marked on the bottom of the base:

WEDGWOOD
ENGLAND
1955 (or 1954)

Lighter insert marked:

RONSON
TRADEMARK
MADE IN ENGLAND
BRIT. PAT. 621570

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $40.00–80.00 (approx €30.00–60.00)

Weight: 150 grams (0.33 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.5 cm (2.9")
• diameter: 6.5 cm (2.6")