United & Clearfloat 'Fish Alive' Table Lighter, 1954

The United "Fish Alive" table lighter was manufactured between 1954 and 1956 in the United States by United Findings Co Inc. This wick lighter is a typical example of the industrial use of the clear float technology (based on the idea of inclusion) which was very popular in the 1950s in the U.S.

The base of the lighter is made of clear float lucite which is a transparent thermoplastic commonly known as plexiglas. Within the lucite is a realistic "Fish Alive" or "Fishing" theme with a fish, sand, pearl, sea shells, fish hook and plants. 

The lighter insert is removable and covered with a gold-tone lacquer. Marked on the underside:

MADE IN U.S.A.
UNITED
PAT. 2,723,547

The lucite base is signed Clearfloat TM on the bottom.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $45.00–60.00 (approx 30.00–45.00)

Weight: 200 grams (6 ³/₄ oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.74")
• width: 6.3 cm (2.48")
• depth: 4.8 cm (1.89")