Karl Wieden KW 650/G Table Lighter, 1932

The KW type 650/G was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1932 in Germany. It was a very successful and robust semi-automatic table lighter produced in various finishes till the early 1950s.

The photos present an example of the KW 650/G made in brass with green artificial oxide. Except this sailing ship, also a version with dragons and elephants is known. Horses were used in a similar design combined with the later KW Capri version. Usually marked KW on the bottom. Other markings are possible (but rare). 

The removable lighter insert is a standard brass KW in normal size. There were also available smaller units in the size 3/4 and 1/2 of the normal KW (see dimensions). The lighter model was patented in Germany in 1936 although the design was introduced into the market in 1952.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter base:

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $60.00–120.00 (approx €50.00–100.00)

Weight: 260 grams (0.57 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.83")
• width: 8.4 cm (3.3")
• length: 2.8 cm (1.1")

KW Piezoelectric Table Lighter 1970

This Piezoelectric butane table lighter was first manufactured by the Karl Wieden  Company (KW or KAWEE) in 1970 in Solingen, Germany.

This automatic table lighter was available in different mantels: silver, nickel plated, enameled etc. The picture on the right shows a KW in sterling silver  (.925) mantel  in an interesting hair texture. The base is not weighted. Marked on the side: STERLING 925F.

The KW butane removable lighter insert is piezoelectric and chrome-plated. Marked on the bottom:  

KW KAWEE 

MADE IN GERMANY

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $75.00–120.00 (approx €60.00–90.00)

Weight: 242 grams (0.53 pounds)


Dimensions:

• height: 5.3 cm (2.08")
• width: 3.0 cm (1.18")
• length: 9.2 cm (3.62")

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")

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")

KW 650 G, ca. 1935

The KW type 650 G was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1935 in Germany. The production of this type ceased in 1953. It was a very successful and robust semi-automatic table lighter produced in various finishes.

The pictures on the right presents an example of the KW 650 G. Its body is covered with a thin layer of black paint in which a picture of a horse is scratched out.

The KW 650 G was available also in other finishes: silver, silver plate and gold plate.

The removable lighter insert is a standard nickel plate KW in normal size. There were also available smaller units in the size 3/4 and 1/2 of the normal KW (see dimensions).

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter base:

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $100.00–400.00 (approx €55.00–220.00)

Weight: 260 grams (0.57 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.83")
• width: 8.4 cm (3.3")
• length: 2.8 cm (1.1")

KW Capri H, 1958

This Capri table lighter was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1958 in Germany. The production ceased in the early 1960s. It was one of the first gas (butane) lighters made by KW. It had a very simplistic angular design.

This automatic table lighter was available in different finishes: silver, nickel plated etc. The picture on the right shows a KW Capri in a rectangle openwork base in floral design. On both sides a monogram shield was present (see picture). The base of the lighter was made of 800 grade of silver. The base is not weighted. Marked on the side: 800 H.

The removable lighter insert is a standard nickel plate KW Capri.

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter insert: KW KAWEE
Scarcity: rare

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $75.00–300.00 (approx €55.00–220.00)

Weight: 280 grams (0,31 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 3.3 cm (1.3")
• length: 7.7 cm (3.03")