Ronson Royal Crown Derby Table Lighter, 1954

This porcelain table lighter was made in 1954 in England by Ronson and Royal Crown Derby. The base of the lighter is fine bone China "fashioned exclusively for Ronson" by the the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company. It is in Imari pattern. These brightly coloured Japanese Imari patterns, are generally featuring intricate geometric patterns layered with various floral designs. These designs proved extremely and lastingly popular in the XIX and XX century.
 
The Royal Crown Derby, based in Derby, England, is particularly known for its high-quality bone china, has produced tableware and ornamental items since approximately 1750. It was known as "Derby Porcelain" until 1773, when it became Crown Derby, the "Royal" being added in 1890, the factory having closed and been revived in the meantime.

Marked on the bottom of the base - ROYAL CROWN DERBY ENGLAND BONE CHINA "FASHIONED EXCLUSIVELY FOR RONSON":

A gold tone Ronson Essex fitment was used as the removable lighter insert. It is marked:

RONSON (R) 
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A. 
U.S. PATENT 2,481,195

It is worth to know that the Royal Crown Derby and Ronson issued a very similar lighter in 1974. It had a gas lighter fitment and the bone China body was available in two Imari patterns in the same shape as the old one. Marked on the bottom:

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $70.00–110.00 (approx €55.00–80.00)

Weight: 235 grams (0.52 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• diameter: 8.7 cm (3.4")