Advert: Ronson Eurolite Table Lighter, 1968

This Ronson magazine advertisement was published in Life magazine on the 29^th of November, 1968. It depicts the Ronson Eurolite Varaflame Table Lighter. Great simple design.

Advert: Zippo Cigarette Lighters, 1954

This Zippo advertisement was published in the LIFE  magazine on the 4h April 1954. Below the Zippo Barcroft # 4 Table Lighter is depicted.

Ronson Wedgwood Four Seasons Table Lighter, 1956

This wick table lighter – Ronson 'Four Seasons' – was made in 1956 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 or Italian Renaissance and Baroque 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 'Four Seasons' has a chrome plated  Adonis lighter insert which is mounted in Blue Jasper base made by Wedgwood with overlaid design – putti in four seasons scenes – in white ceramic.

The lighter base is padded with light blue felt. This cigarette lighter was also sold with matching ashtrays.

Marked on the bottom of the base:

1956
WEDGWOOD
MADE IN
ENGLAND

Lighter insert marked:

RONSON
REG. TRADE MARK
MADE IN ENGLAND
BRIT. PAT.
621870
OTHER PATS.
PEND.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $50.00–90.00 (approx €35.00–70.00)

Weight: 260 grams (0.57 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.3 cm (2.5")
• length: 8.5 cm (3.2")
• width: 4.6 cm (1.8")

Mylflam 1000 Zünder Diplomat Table Lighter, 1955

The 1000 Zünder Diplomat Table Lighter (model 590) was first  manufactured in 1955 in Frankfurt, Germany by the famous German company Mylflam. This automatic petrol lighter was  marketed in many different finishes like: silver/nickel plate, brass, various types of leather, (delivered by  Richard Maltner) etc. It was also commonly used for advertising purposes.

On the right we have an used example of the1000 Zünder Diplomat. It is made of brass and then nickel plated. For decoration purposes the base is manteled with silver (.835 purity) which is hammered and marked. See the Mylflam magazine advertisement below (source).

The wick lighter was generally made of brass. Marked on the underside of the base:

1000 Zünder
DIPLOMAT

The patented mechanism gave the owner the possibility to hand it over without extinguishing the flame.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare (depending on type of the finish/advertising)

Value for very good–mint condition: $40.00–150.00 (approx €30.00–110.00)

Weight: 160 grams (0.35 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.2 cm (3.19")
• width: 2.7 cm (1.06")
• length: 8.1 cm (3.7")

Ronson & Rosenthal, Harold Sitterle Lighter, 1954

This Ronson table lighter was manufactured in 1954 in a limited quantity. It is special because of the designer of the porcelain base – Harold Sitterle – famous American designer born in 1921. His works are now very collectible. Some of his (and his wife Trudi Sittelre) works – like the Pepper Mill, Ashtray, Salt Dish and Spoon – are in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

This tall petrol table lighter is made of white glazed Rosenthal porcelain with a mat black finish on the top or the other way round (other version). Two models were actually issued – the other one can be seen in this magazine advertisement. The original price tag: $32.50

This lighter was also available as a set including an ashtray (like a simple plate) also designed by Harold Sitterle.

Marked on the bottom of the porcelain base:

Rosenthal
SELB-PLOSSBERG
GERMANY
Fashioned for Ronson
Harold Sitterle

The lighter insert is a common Ronson Essex fitment with an additional leverage made of brass. The lighter insert is marked:

RONSON (R)
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATENT 2.481.195

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $80.00–140.00 (approx €60.00–100.00)

Weight:

• 430 grams (0.95 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 21 cm (8.26")
• diameter: 10.7 cm (4.2")
  

Evans & Limoges Table Lighter, 1956

This French porcelain table lighter decorated with delicate hand painted floral bouquets on a white background framed in gilt scrollwork was manufactured in cooperation with Evans U.S.A. in 1956. Evans provided the gold-tone brass insert and the Limoges Castel Porcelains factory the white glazed porcelain base.

The green Limoges FRANCE mark was used by Limoges Castel Porcelains between 1955 and 1979. They were known for manufacturing Limoges boxes which were decorated mostly with transfers. The factory was established in 1944 and is still active today as a part of Haviland Co.

Marked on the bottom of the base:

Hand Painted
Limoges
FRANCE

Lighter insert marked:

EVANS
U.S.A.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $20.00–40.00 (approx €15.00–30.00)

Weight:

• 195 grams (0.43 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.74")
• diameter: 6.5 cm (2.56")
  

Rowenta Table Lighter, 1940s

The Rowenta Table Lighter was the first cigarette lighter manufactured by Rowenta Werke in Offenbach, Germany. It was manufactured in the 1940s in Germany. This wick semi-automatic pertol lighter was  manufactured in many different finishes, like: sterling silver, chromium plate, nickel plate (see picture), various leather, engravements etc.

The wick lighter was generally made of brass and was padded with green felt. Marked on the underside of the base:

ROWENTA
D.R.P. for Pat.

D.R.P stands for Deutsches Reich Patent. Patented by Karl Maltner. The lighter mechanism is very efficient. To make it lit the rectangle button on the side has to be pushed.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare (depending on type of the finish/advertising)

Value for good–mint condition: $25.00–100.00 (approx €20.00–80.00)

Weight: 255 grams (0.56 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.4 cm (3.3")
• width: 4.2 cm (1.65")
• length: 9.4 cm (3.7")

Appraisal of collectibles & antiques

I receive a lot of requests connected with appraisal of table lighters that were not described yet. Determining the price of a specific item is very difficult and one can give only a rough estimate. Why? Because you are supposed to be able to guess how much a buyer may pay for it within a specific period of time and sales conditions. 

Our market is not a perfect market. Mainly because perfect and global market information simply does not exist. It changed a lot due to the development of Internet but it is still not ideal. The price range for the same item may vary a lot. It depends among others on your focus group - who are you going to reach with the information that you want to sell it? Will you list your item on ebay? Yes? Then in what country? Or maybe an auction house would be better? Or selling it to your nearest antiques dealer or friend?... Well, everything depends on a lot of factors. In each case you might be almost sure that you will receive a different amount of money for you item. 

For you consideration find all ebay listings on the Dunhill Pistol Lighter. Then check this post here and take a look at the appraisal which was included in the Miller's Collectables Price Guide 2004 edited by Judith Miller:

Advert: A·S·R· Ascot Heritage Smoking Set, 1950

This A·S·R· magazine advertisement was published in LIFE, on the 27th March 1950 and it depicts among others the Ascot Heritage Set finished in rhodium made by A·S·R· Corp.

Colibri Monogas & Ganci Argenterie, ca. 1960s

This interesting modern table lighter hidden in a solid silver "sugar bowl" was made sometime between 1960 and 1968 by two companies:

• Colibri – famous English lighter manufacturer. The company was established by Julius Löwenthal  in 1928. Colibri delivered the lighter insert which was produced in France and W. Germany;
• Ganci Argenterie S.R.L. – Italian Silversmith, the company was founded in 1920 in Milan [VIA ALTAGUARDIA 11 - MILANO (MI) - 20135] and is still in business. This company made the lighter base.

The nicely decorated lighter base is made of silver in .800 silver purity. It assembles  a Victorian sugar bowl which opens to reveal a concealed gold plated Colibri Monogas lighter insert marked on the bottom:  CIF2. The lighter base is marked on the bottom:

110 MI
800

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $160.00–200.00 (approx €120.00–150.00)

Weight: 272 grams (0.59 pounds), 138 grams without the lighter insert

Dimensions:

• height: 11 cm (4.3")
• width: 11 cm (4.3")
• depth: 8 cm (3.2")

KW 676 Golf Ball Table Lighter, 1938

This KW wick table lighter model 676 was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1938 in Solingen-Ohligs, Germany. The production ceased probably in the late 1950s. It is a light round figural lighter in the shape of a golf ball or a hand grenade. It was often used as a advertisement medium. 

This automatic table lighter was available in different finishes: solid silver, nickel / silver plated brass, enameled in different colors. The picture on the right shows a KW 676 made of brass and silver plated with a advertising label on one side: Berolina. The very characteristic semiautomatic KW lighter fitment is not removable and the base is not weighted. Marked on the bottom of the base: KW. The post war version of the lighter was marked: 

Fabrique d' Allemagne

Made in Germany

KW

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter insert: KW
Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for very good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $50.00–250.00 (approx €35.00–200.00)

Weight: 125 grams (0.44 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.3 cm (2.08")
• diameter: 5 cm (1.97")

KW Capri Table Lighter, 1951

This Capri wick table lighter was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1951 in Germany. The production ceased in the 1957. Later in 1958 it was replaced by the KW Capri gas lighter.

This automatic table lighter was available in different finishes: silver, nickel plated, leather covered, enamelled etc. The picture on the right shows a KW Capri made of German silver (nickel plate) in a silver sterling (.925) mantel. The base is not weighted. Marked on the side: 925 and on the bottom of the base: KW capri.

The removable lighter insert is a standard nickel plate KW Capri – a very efficient and durable mechanism.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter insert: KW KAWEE

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $45.00–120.00 (approx €30.00–85.00)

Weight: 183 grams (0.4 pounds)


Dimensions:

• height: 5.3 cm (2.08")
• width: 2.9 cm (1.14")
• length: 7.5 cm (2.95")

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")
  

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")

Evans Kashmir Wildlife Scene, 1959

This extraordinary table lighter was made by Evans Case Company and by an unknown artist in 1959. The base of the lighter was hand made in Kashmir, India and the lighter insert by Evans in their plant in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA.

The round base of the lighter is made of wood and is hand painted which makes this lighter unusual and rare. The painting presents a wildlife scene. The lighter insert is made of brass and gold-tone plated. It is marked Evans and the lighter base:

HAND MADE IN KASHMIR
INDIA
A-163 / D-98

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $90.00–140.00 (approx €70.00–100.00)

Weight: 125 grams (0,28 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• diameter: 5.3 cm (2.1")

Advert: Ronson Award Series, Rosenthal, 1954

This Ronson magazine advertisement was published in Life on the 8th November 1954. It depicts two cigarette table lighters made in cooperation by Ronson (lighter insert Essex) and Rosenthal (porcelain base). Both lighters were designed by Harold Sitterle (born in 1921) and are rare.

ALBO & KW Classic Table Lighter, 1953

This table lighter was made by Albert Bodemer Silberwarenfabrik GmbH (known as ALBO or AB) in cooperation with KW between 1953 and 1959 in Germany.

The Albert Bodemer Silberwarenfabrik GmbH was a typical hollowware manufacturer established in the 1940's in Keltern-Ellmendingen, Germany. It is still active today and run by the daughter of Albert Bodemer who invented all the patterns and forms. The lighter inserts were provided by several German lighter manufacturers, like KW or Augusta Zünder – today only the BIC company is their supplier (butane lighters).

The rounded openwork has a floral design accompanied by two angels and a field for a monogram in the middle. The openwork was made of silver in different purities: 800, 835 and 925 grade of silver. Marked on the side: ALBO. Marked on the bottom of the base: KW Classic.

The lighter insert was provided by KW (Karl Wieden) a known German lighter manufacturer who produced lighter since 1905 till 1980 in Solingen Ohligs, Germany. It is made of brass and is nickel plated. The lighter insert model is KW Classic and it is based on the Theodor Ruetz system patent.

The picture above presents a petrol (wick) lighter. A butane gas lighter in the same shape was introduced in the early 1960s.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $70.00–110.00 (approx €50.00–80.00)

Weight: 178 grams (0.39 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.2 cm (2.4")
• length: 7.3 cm (2.9")
• width:  3.2 cm (1.3")

Ronson Trophy Table Lighter, 1950

The Ronson Trophy Table Lighter was first manufactured in 1950 both in Newark, New Jersey, USA and in London, England. It is a solid oval-shaped petrol (wick) lighter with an interesting range of motifs covered with a thick transparent plastic. The Ronson Trophy was manufactured probably until the year 1957.

This handsomely designed brass chromium plated desk lighter was based on the Adonis lighter fitment. Known Ronson Trophy motifs:

• antique train motif,
• carriage scene motif,
• multi-color oval motif (see picture),
• ships motif,
• red roses motif.

This wick lighter was also available as an advertising medium. Known advertisers: Nash Honor Club, '57 Ford Ranchero, Martin Aircraft, Four Rouses Whiskey, Frankfort Distillers Corp, Early Times and Old Forester Whiskey which are rare.

The base is padded with green thick felt and cork.

Ronson manufactured another table lighter on the same name in the 1970s in England: Ronson Varaflame Trophy. The base was made of wood and the lighter insert was a typical gas Ronson Varaflame.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the bottom of the base:

(R)
RONSON
TROPHY

RONSON (R)
NEWARK. N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATENT 2.481.195

Scarcity: common–rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $40.00–200.00 (approx €30.00–140.00)

Weight: 272 grams (0.6 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.3 cm (2.5")
• length: 9 cm (3.5")
• width: 4 cm (1.6")

Ronson Senator Desk Lighter, 1950

Ronson Senator Desk/Table lighter was first manufactured in 1950 both in Newark, New Jersey, USA and in London, England. It is a solid oval-shaped petrol (wick) lighter with an interesting range of leather and wood veneer finishes. The Ronson Senator was manufactured probably until the year 1954. In the UK the Senator was also available in sterling silver - rose motive on the side - which is very rare.

This handsomely designed brass chromium plated (also seen gold-tone plated which is rare) desk lighter was based on the Adonis lighter fitment. Primely available in genuine pigskin and a more expensive alligator-lizard finish. A year later genuine mahogany wood veneer (see pictures) finish was introduced. In 1952 the Senator family expanded by two other wood veneer: walnut and bright wood.

The British version does vary a little bit from the one manufactured in the U.S. In case of the Ronson Senator made in England  the base is padded with green thick felt versus made of cork. Also the size of the monogram shield is different - the English one is wider but lower than the American one. The English Adonis fitment is also marked Ronson. Worth to mention is that a Senator without a monogram shield is rare.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the bottom of the base:

RONSON
REG. TRADE MARK
"SENATOR"
MADE IN ENGLAND
BRIT. PAT. NO. 621570

or 

(R)
RONSON
"SENATOR"

RONSON (R)
NEWARK. N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATS. RE. 19,023-2,481,195
CANADA PATS.-288,148-289,889

Scarcity: uncommon–very rare

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

Weight: 245 grams (0.54 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• length: 8.1 cm (3.2")
• width: 3.3 cm (1.3")

Advert: Zippo Matchless Performance, 1940

This Zippo magazine advertisement was published in Life on the 25th November 1940. It depicts a lady lightning up her cigarette with a Zippo in the wind. The picture of the "Windy Girl" also called "Windproof Beauty" or "Windy Varga Girl" created by the famous pin-up illustrator Enoch Bolles  (1883-1976) became soon an icon of the Zippo brand as she appeared in numerous ads mark in the 1930s and 1940s. On the ad the No. 10 Zippo Table Lighter is present.

 

K.K.W. Camera Lighter, 1948

The K.K.W. Camera Lighter was first manufactured in 1948 in Occupied Japan. Primely it was available as a wick lighter - in 1958 the butane version of the lighter was introduced (see picture) and manufactured till the end of the 1960s. The camera lighter was available with a compass on front and without which was a cheaper version. 

It is for sure one of the best examples of Japanese craftsmanship. It is very well detailed and the materials used are good quality. The shutter button works the lighter and it can be locked by using the red button on the front which is marked open - lock. Spare flints can be kept under the large nurled knob on top.

The camera lighter is in the shape of a camera and was designed for both table and pocket as the tripod and cable release can be easily unscrewed. The body was made of metal with black crackle finish and polished metal trim. It was only available as a set: lighter, cable release and camera lighter.

Marked on the bottom of the camera lighter:

K.K.W
P.P 
13449 

On the earlier wick lighter version the camera and the tripod were marked:

Made in Occupied Japan

The plastic cover was marked: Peace-Gas (gas lighter) or Photo-Flash (wick lighter)

Type: gas (butane) lighter & wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: common–uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $40.00–75.00 (approx €30.00–55.00)

Weight: 75 grams (0.17 lbs), set: 97 grams (0.21 lbs)

Dimensions:

Cigarette Lighter:

• height: 4.1 cm (1.6")
• width: 6.7 cm (2.6")
• depth: 1.8 cm (0.7")

Lighter including tripod and cable release:

• height: 2.0 cm (0.8")
• width: 8.9 cm (3.5")
• depth: 7 cm (2.8")

Advert: Ronson Spartan, Mayfair, Queen Anne, 1952

This Ronson magazine advertisement was published in Life on the 14th April 1952. It depicts: 

• Ronson Queen Anne Pair: table lighter with matching walnut cigarette chest;
• Ronson Spartan: desk lighter;
• Ronson Whilwind: pocket lighter;
• Ronson Penciliter;
• Ronson Pal: lighter and cigarette case;
• Ronson Mastercase: lighter and case for cigarettes;
• Ronson Mayfair: table lighter.

WMF Permanent Match Table Lighter, ca. 1920s

A fine example of a semi-automatic table lighter from the early 1920s (or late 1910s) linking the era of permanent matches and automatic lighters. This lighter was made by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG (WMF) a German tableware manufacturer, founded in 1853 in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany, by the miller Daniel Straub and the brothers Schweizer.

WMF acquired the Polish metal-ware factory Plewkiewicz in Warsaw in 1886, which then became a subsidiary of WMF around 1900. It is very possible that this lighter was actually manufactured there.

This WMF lighter is combined with an ash-tray. The lighter is made of brass and silver plated and than artificially tarnished (oxidized) in the decorative surface areas. The fuel-filled metal tank is in the form of a matchbox which makes this permanent match even more interesting.

How it works? On the enclosed top which prevented the volatile liquid from evaporating, and to conveniently extinguish the flame a separate metal rod serving as wick is present. The rod is removed but not as in most permanent matches scratched against a flint on the side of the case to create a spark. The internal wick catches fire owing to the flint mechanism installed in the bottom section of the lighter where the sparks are engraved. To generate spark one must just turn the knob. The flame is extinguished by placing the rod into the shell, where it absorbs fuel for the next use.

Marked on the bottom:

Xo
I/O

Type: permanent match

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition (silver or gold plated): $250.00–450.00 (approx €200.00–380.00)

Weight: 260 grams (0.58 lbs)

Dimensions:

• height: 14.0 cm (5.5")
• diameter: 11.9 cm (4.7")

Advert: Evans Famous Magic Lamp Table Lighter, 1949

This vintage magazine ad depicts "The Magnificent" Evans automatic lighter – the Famous Magic Lamp model – advertised as: Perfect gift, proud possession - an Evans fully automatic table lighter can be personalized with engraving. The advert was published on the 18^th July 1949 in the Life magazine.

Advert: Evans Table Lighters, 1949

This Evans Case Company vintage magazine advertisement was published in the Christmas edition of Esquire in December 1949. It depicts the basic range of Evans table lighters: 

• The Victorian,
• The Futura Cigarette Holder and Table Lighter,
• The New Magic Lamp, 
• The Duchess,
• The Stardust,
• The Windsor,
• The Imperial,
• The Famous Magic Lamp.

Advert: Evans Victorian Table Lighter, 1949

This vintage magazine ad depicts the sensational Evans automatic lighter – the Victorian model – advertised as: For any room, every home - useful, beautiful gift. Rich silver or golden metal finish. The advert was published on the 10^th October 1949 in Life magazine.

Collecting Tobacciana / Smoking Collectibles, taxonomy

Collecting smoking memorabilia has been a growing hobby worldwide. Of course the amount of tobacciana collectibles is so big that different collectible branches emerged. Below the top 5 most popular tobacco & smoking collectibles:

1. Matchboxes and matchbooks - the most popular tobacciana collectible worldwide. The main reason for such popularity was the accessibility of matchboxes and matchbooks, their low price and the great variety of matchcovers (labels) that have been used as a form of advertising since 1894. Since then they have attracted people who enjoy the hobby of collecting different match-related items. Phillumeny also known as Phillumenism became especially widespread from the 1960s through the 1980s. 
2. Pocket lighters - this portable devices used to generate a flame is closely connected with the Ronson company which in 1926 introduced the first automatic flame pocket lighter called Banjo. This innovation become an over helming inspiration for many entrepreneurs who established such brands like Dunhill, Colibri, KW or Zippo. The most collectible lighters nowadays are Zippos. 
3. Ashtrays - in the 1930s till the 1960s ashtrays were very common interior items available in almost every room at home, office, restaurants etc. Since the 1940s the ashtrays have been a popular advertising vehicle. Collectors look for ashtrays with clever and unusual ads, colors, shapes and sizes. Later beginning from the 1970s smoking become less popular and ashtrays in public are becoming increasingly rare due to the proliferation of smoking bans.
4. Smoking pipes - have been used since ancient times. Herodotus described Scythians inhaling the fumes of burning leaves in 500 B.C. Romans, and Greeks adopted pipes from their neighbors to the east and they were subsequently used by Germanic, Celtic and Nordic tribes. Later tobacco was introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century and spread around the world.
5. Cigarette cards - also known as tobacco cards are trade cards issued since 1875 by tobacco manufacturers to stiffen cigarette packaging and advertise cigarette brands. Popular themes were 'beauties' (famous actresses, film stars and models), sporters (in the US mainly baseball, in the rest of the world mainly football and cricket), nature, military heroes and uniforms, heraldry and city views. Early in 2007, a world record price was paid in America for a single card - $2,350,000, or roughly equivalent to around £1,200,000. This card was sold later on in the year for another world record price $2,800,000 (approximately £1,500,000) The card in question featured Honus Wagner, one of the great names in U.S. baseball at the turn of the 20th century.

Other tobacciana memorabilia (antique, vintage and novelty):

• advertiser display,
• cases,
• Chesterfield pipes die cut,
• cigar and tobacco tins,
• cigar-bands,
• cigar-box labels,
• cigarette lighters,
• cigarette wall racks,
• cigarette, cigar and tobacco advertising (magazine adverts, signs etc.),
• cigarette-insert-cards,
• cigarettes,
• cigars,
• cigar cutters,
• counter bins,
• counter stands,
• felts,
• hookahs,
• lighters instructions,
• matchbooks,
• matchboxes,
• match holders,
• old cigarette-packets and tobacco labels,
• papers,
• pipe and counter display, 
• pipes,
• plates,
• posters,
• prints,
• signs,
• silks,
• table and desk lighters,
• tags,
• tins,
• tobacco cards,
• tobacco packs,
• trench lighters,
• water pipes,
• wings cigarettes.

Cigarette Lighters Brochures and Catalogs, Ronson 1938

Brochures and catalogs next to advertisements are the most reliable source of information on vintage cigarette lighters. Owing to them we can easily state the date of production, price, possible limitations in production, catalog name and other useful information for a keen collector.

The most interesting and sought after catalogs/brochures were made by Ronson, Myflam, Zippo and Evans. Below two sites of the Ronson - World's Greatest Lighter catalog (catalogue) showing some exquisite examples of table lighters from 1938/1939 like the Ronson Touch-Tips and Touch-Tip combinations (humidor, ash-tray, cigarette box, clock, calendar pad and watch).

Ronson Tropicana Set, 1954

The Ronson Tropicana Set was manufactured between 1954 and 1956 in Newark, United States of America. The set consists of  a table lighter with a Ronson Essex gold toned insert and an ash-tray which is made of brown and inner green ceramic.  The set (model no. 43592) looks great and is quite rare.

The base of the table lighter is marked on the bottom on a golden label:

(R)
RONSON

Newark, N.J.

U.S.A.

The bottom of the base is padded with green felt. The Ronson Essex lighter insert is marked:

RONSON (R)

NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

U.S PATENTS

2,481,195 & 2,715,329

Other unique ceramic sets made by Ronson beside the Tropicana Set are: Bolero and Fiesta Set which are also rare.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): 274 zł ($90.00)–140.00 (approx 290 zł (€70.00)–100.00)

Weight:

• lighter – 230 grams (0.5 lb)
• cigarette holder – 455 grams (1 lb)

Dimensions:

1. Table lighter

• height: 8.0 cm (3.15")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

2. Ash-tray

• height: 5.0 cm (2")
• width: 9 cm (3.5")
• length: 25.5 cm (10")

Advert: Ritepoint 'Table-Desk Liter' and 'Pocket Liter', 1949

Two different magazine advertisements prepared by "Ritepoint" Miller Liter Co. based in St. Louis, U.S.A. The Ritepoint company manufactured in general two models of lighters - a pocket and a table lighter. Both had a visible fuel tank which was a novum in the 1940s.

The advert on on right was published in 1950 in the Saturday Evening Post and that one on the left was published in 1949 in the December issue of Esquire.

Advert: Ronson Trophy, Nordic and other cigarette lighters, 1950

This Christmas magazine advertisement by Ronson was published in Saturday Evening Post in 1950. It depicts: 

• two table lighters: Nordic and Trophy, 
• four pocket lighters: Essex, Regal Adonis, Capri and Whirlwind,
• Lighter-cigarette case Escort,
• Ronson Electric Shaver.

Advert: A·S·R· The Pagoda Set, Dagger & Olympia by Ascot, 1952

This interesting Ascot magazine advertisement was published in LIFE, on the 17th November 1952. It depicts among others three table lighters: 'The Pagoda Set', 'Florentine Dagger Lighter' and 'Olympia'. All of them were made by A·S·R· Corp (Ascot).

Dunhill Rollalite Table Lighter, 1949

The Dunhill Rollalite Lighter is one of the most famous lighters made by Dunhill. It was first manufactured between 1949 in the United States of America and Switzerland by Alfred Dunhill ltd. The production of the wick lighter ceased in 1956. This small and handy automatic table wick lighter was manufactured basically in five finishes – 18K gold, gold plate, sterling silver, silver plate and rhodium plate.  It was moreover available striped in couple of variants. The quality of this lighter was very high.

This lighter has a typical rollalite mechanism used since the 1940s in different brands. The base is padded with green felt. It is marked on the bottom: 

DUNHILL ROLLALITE
U.S.PAT. No. 2.102.108

No felt is present in sterling silver and 18K gold version of the lighter. The sterling silver is marked on the bottom:

U.S.PAT. No. 2102108

OTHERS PENDING

DUNHILL LONDON

MADE IN SWITZERLAND

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon– very rare

Value for very good–mint condition (silver or gold plated): $125.00–450.00 (approx €100.00–200.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0.3 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.2 cm (2.4")
• width: 3.4 cm (1.3")
• length: 3.4 cm (1.3")

Cigarette Lighters Collectors' Forum is now open!

I am happy to present you the first international Cigarette Lighters Collectors' Forum. This step was inevitable as I received every day more and more inquires via email. Now you might register yourself and post your thoughts and questions there. I hope that in this manner more people will have access to collectors' knowledge and experience. Everybody is welcomed!

Update: The website is closed now as I was not able to win with thousands of spammer bots. I hope that in the future I will be able to return to this project. In the meantime I would like to apologies users of the forum who supported it with their knowledge!

Ronson Regency Essex, 1956

The Ronson Regency was first manufactured in 1956 in England. The lighter uses the smaller Ronson Essex fitment which is silver-plated and marked on the bottom:

RONSON
REG. TRADE MARK

MADE IN ENGLAND

BRIT. PAT. NOS.

621570 724448

This wick lighter has a silver plate heavy cast white metal base. The bottom of the base is padded with black felt. 

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $65.00–80.00 (approx €50.00–60.00)

Weight: 280 grams (0,61 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.2 cm (3.6")
• diameter: 4.8 cm (1.9")

Advert: Ronson Table Lighters, 1957

This Ronson advertisement was published in LIFE magazine on the 6th May 1957. It depicts only a part of the great Ronson table lighters range manufactured in the late 1950s. Available for purchase were that time only wick lighters:

• Ronson Fantasy;
• Ronson Cupid;
• Ronson Regal;
• Ronson Decor;
• Ronson Queen Anne;
• Ronson Colony;
• Ronson Tropicana;
• Ronson Nordic.

Dunhill Duelling Pistol Lighter, ca. 1929

This Dunhill Duelling Pistol of the shape of a classic single-shot flintlock from the XVIII/XIX century is made of brass and lead alloy which makes it very heavy. The lighter has a very precise trigger activated mechanism - the top opens and sparks when the trigger is pulled.

This Dunhill Duelling Pistol was manufactured only in England from ca. 1929 until the late 30's. After 1938 it was replaced by the Dunhill Tinder Pistol Lighter.

It is often the case that the trigger is broken as well the top mounted flint holder. The lighter is marked DUNHILL on the outside of the trigger guard.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare–very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $200.00–300.00 (approx €180.00–215.00)

Weight: 425 grams (0.93 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.0 cm (3.9")
• length: 15.5 cm (6.1")
• width: 4.4 cm (1.7")

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")