Parker (Dunhill) of London Silent Flame Lighter, 1935

This Silent Flame Table Lighter was manufactured by Parker of London Ltd. in New York (U.S.A.) between 1935 and 1944. The invention patented in 1935 was known as the electric cigar lighter "of the type wherein a wick is ignited through the heat of an electrical resistance element" and was very popular in the Art Deco period. 

The depicted silent flame lighter is known as the "Fan Dancer" inspired by Sally Rand. It was also sold as the "Aphrodite" - "Graceful nude statuette in gleaming chromium, mounted on plastic base. Touch lighter unit to any part of figure for a quick, sure flame". The metal female figure was available in chrome plate and gold-tone plate. The base was made of black or dark brown Bakelite. The very same version was marketed by Dunhill.

The bottom of the base is marked:

SILENT FLAME
TABLE LIGHTER
by
PARKER OF LONDON

MADE IN U.S.A.
U.S. Pat. No. 2020142

Type: electric petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $75.00–90.00 (approx. €60.00–75.00)

Weight: 180 grams (6 ¹/₂ oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.5 cm (5")
• width: 7.5 cm (3")
• length: 9 cm (3 ¹/₂")

The instruction on how to fill and light the cigar lighter and how to exchange the batteries is available here.