Ronson Puritan, 1936

This Ronson Puritan was first manufactured in 1936. It was only produced in Newark, N.J. (U.S.). There are at least three different versions of this lighter – they vary mainly in some details in the upper part. On the first spot it is easy to confuse this lighter with the earliest versions of the Ronson Decanter – the only difference is the four legged base.

This wick lighter has a radiused rim on the top. It is twice as light as the Ronson Decanter though the dimensions are almost the same.

The Puritan is a handy lighter designed in the Art Deco style. It is covered with a thick layer of silver which is additionally protected by a transparent lacquer which often is partly deteriorated. The four-legged base is padded with green felt.

The Ronson Puritan was also sold in 1949 in 2-piece (cigarette holder + lighter) and 3-piece set (tray + cigarette holder + lighter). I saw them only once.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the long lever side press:

RONSON
U.S. PAT. RE.
NO.19,023

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $350.00–550.00 (approx €250.00–390.00)

Weight: 133 grams (0,29 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 11.0 cm (4.3")
• diameter: 5.0 cm (1,97")

Bulb, Sterling, ca. 1954

The 'Bulb' table lighter was manufactured in ca. 1954. The base of the lighter is in the shape of a bulb and it is made of glass (not crystal glass) and silver sterling (925). It has a sterling plain rim with raised beading around the inside edge and marked 'STERLING'. The maker of this lighter is unknown though the base was most probably manufactured whether in Japan or in the United States.

The lighter was also sold with a matching ashtray and cigarette urn. The set is very similar from the shape on to the previous described Hy Glo & Frank M. Whiting, glass and sterling, 1931.

The lighter insert is a standard chrome plate insert made in Japan. Marked on the bottom 'JAPAN'.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $20.00–35.00 (approx €15.00–25.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0,3 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.4 cm (2.1")
• diameter: 5.8 cm (2.3")

A.S.R. Florentine Dagger Lighter, 1952

The "Florentine Dagger" was manufactured in 1952 by the American Safety Razor Co. in the United States (Brooklyn, New York). It is a fine example of a mid-century multipurpose Ascot product which combines a lighter, paper weight and a letter opener. In desperate moments it can also be used as a dagger – a short bladed stabbing weapon. It was available in four different finishes – with faux green, black, gold and jade marble-like plastic handle.

The Florentine Dagger Lighter was marketed in a presentation box and was also available with a matching sturdy leather-like sheath in brown, black or green. Marked on the blade:

A·S·R· Ascot
(R)
–
MADE IN U.S.A.
PAT. D–165250

The lighter insert has an automatic 'Light-Switch Action' and stays lit without holding. It is marked:

A·S·R· CORP.
315 JAY ST.
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
PATENT D-146973
–
PAT. RE. 23,207
MADE IN U.S.A.

One of the advertisement published in the "Life" magazine in 1952 says about this product: "Most dramatic lighter of the year - the Florentine Dagger by Ascot. Lighter... letter opener... paperweight and distinguished desk ornament all in one, the Florentine's distinctive Renaissance design and authentic detail make it a lighter to be prized, a gift to be treasured. At smarter stores, coast-to-coast."

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $30.00–55.00 (approx €20.00–40.00)

Weight: 198 grams (0,44 pounds), sheath – 22 grams (0,05 pounds)

Dimensions:

• length: 24,7 cm (9.57")
• width: 7.3 cm (2.87")
• height: 1.5 cm (0.59")

Sarome, Ronson Crown imitation, ca. 1953

This Sarome table lighter is probably the best example of a fine imitation of the Ronson Crown. It has even a better construction than the original. The Sarome wick lighter was manufactured between 1953 and 1954 in Japan.

Sarome Co., Ltd. was founded in March 1940 by Kunijiro Segawa in Tokyo, Japan and it was specializing mainly in manufacturing toys. The first cigarette lighters were manufactured in February 1952. Since 1955 butane gas lighters were added to the company's portfolio. The Sarome company still exist and is well known for its high quality luxury cigarette lighters.

The base of the lighter as well the lighter insert are chrome plate. The lighter insert, in opposite to the Ronson Crown, is removable which makes it more user friendly regarding its maintenance. A very good quality of craftsmanship in terms of quality. Not many of these lighters were made which makes them a very rare find.

It is worth to know that SAROME means 'god of flames'.

The bottom of the base is padded with green felt.

Marked on the bottom of the lighter insert:

SGW. MFG. CO.
SAROME RTM. NO. 29659
SUPER LIGHTER

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $65.00–120.00 (approx €45.00–85.00)

Weight: 210 grams (0,46 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 4.5 cm (1.8")
• depth: 7.5 cm (3.0")

Fisher & Evans,1954

This table lighter is fine example of Art Deco style and was manufactured by Fisher Silversmith Inc. in 1954 in Jersey City (New Jersey, United States). The company prospered from 1936 to the 1970s. It manufactured sterling and silver-plated flatware and hollowware, mainly in modern design like Art Deco.
The base of the lighter is made of sterling silver – 925 grade of silver. It is weighted and marked. The lighter is prism-shaped and has a irregular hexahedron base.

The lighter insert was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of brass and is silver electroplate. The release is shell-shaped (conchiform).

Type: petrol (wick) lighter
Marked on the bottom:

FISHER

STERLING WEIGHTED

2548

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $90.00–160.00 (€65–115)

Weight: 285 grams (0,63 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.3 cm (3.27")
• width: 6.6 cm (2.6")
• depth: 5.0 cm (1.97")

Ronson Empress Varaflame Onyx, 1964

The Ronson Empress (Onyx) was manufactured in England between 1964 and 1969. This table lighter was made in white (see picture) and green onyx.

The removable lighter insert – the Varaflame – is gold-color-plated and has a fingertip flame control. The lighter insert is fastened to the base with a black plastic screw.

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Writing on the underside of the base (screw):

RONSON (R)
REGD. TRADE MARK

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $35.00–60.00 (approx €25.00–45.00)

Weight: 360 grams (0.79 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 9.2 cm (3.6")
• depth: 3.6 cm (1.42")

United, Clearfloat, Automobile, ca. 1955

The United Automobile table lighter was manufactured between 1955 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 small metal model depicting the 1902–03 Cadillac Runabout with Tonneau which also reminds the 1903 Ford Model A (the first car produced by Ford Motor Company). This should not be a surprise as Henry Ford was the chief engineer at Cadillac till 1903.

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 base is padded with four small rounded felt pads.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $85.00–160.00 (approx €60.00–115.00)

Weight: 300 grams (0,66 pounds)

Dimensions:

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

How to maintain table wick lighters?

Owing a table wick lighter is connected with maintaining it. This post will answer the most common questions like:

1. How to fuel?
2. How to replace flint?
3. How to replace wick?

Below a scan of the Ronson Tempo instruction on "How to use and care for your Ronson table lighter" from the year 1955. Click on it to see the details. This instruction applies not only for Ronson lighters but for most table lighters available on the market whatever the brand is.

Hint: When you try to replace flint in your lighter which was not used for a longer time - this often implies vintage cigarette lighters - you will probably need to find out if the earlier flint did not got frozen (stuck). When you noticed that the flint dissolved it is vital to crush it carefully with (for instance) a small screwdriver. Sometimes you will need to take off the top in order to have a better access to the flint.

Below another instruction "How to Assure Long Life for your Ronson Table & Desk Lighter" from 1949 (United Kingdom):

This "Important Instructions. How to insure long life for your Ronson Table and Desk Lighter" dates the year 1952 (United States):

Ronson Varaflame Brushed, 1966

The Ronson Varaflame Brushed Alu was manufactured only in England in ca. 1966. The surface of the base of the lighter has a mottled brushed pattern which was used among others on the top of the Ronson trays (look Queen Anne Set). The color of the base is cream pearl.

The removable lighter insert – the Varaflame – is chrome-plated and has a fingertip flame control decorated with a light blue Swarovski crystal.

The base is padded with black felt. The lighter insert is fastened to the base with a black plastic screw.

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Writing on the underside of the base:

RONSON (R)
REG. TRADE MARK
-
MADE IN ENGLAND
PATENTED
RD. DES.

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $40.00–65.00 (approx €30.00–45.00)

Weight: 400 grams (0,88 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 9.2 cm (3.6")
• depth: 3.6 cm (1.42")

Ronson Gloria Table Lighter, 1952

The Ronson Gloria was first manufactured in 1952. The production went on till 1954 in Newark (USA). It is heavy silver-plated (partly polished and satin) and uses the same lighter fitment as the Ronson Juno, Leblanc Clarinet Bell and Ronson Penciliter. The lighter insert is removable.

The pattern used at the bottom of the base is very similar to that used in the Ronson Queen Anne which makes the cigarette urn of the Queen Anne also a good match.

The base is padded with cork. The silver plate is protected by a transparent lacquer.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the underside:

(R) RONSON
"GLORIA"
U.S. PATS. RE. NO. 19,023
2.002.845
OTHER U.S. & FOR.
PATS. PDG.
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.
 

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: 169 zł–95.00 (approx 148 zł–70.00)

Weight: 335 grams (0,74 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.5 cm (3.35")
• width: 5.5 cm (2.17")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

Ronson Varaflame Empire, 1964

This Ronson Varaflame Empire is one of the four table lighters from the "Ronson's Hidden Lighter Collection". They were advertised as: "table lighters for people who hate table lighters". This heavy lighter was introduced into the American market in 1964. The production ceased short after that in 1969. It was probably manufactured only in Woodbrigde (New Jersey) in United States. It was not a bestseller which makes this lighter rather uncommon.

This Ronson has a light (made mainly from plastic) Varaflame fitment which has a fingertip flame adjustment. The top of the lighter insert has a metal cover which was available silver plated or chrome plated.

The top (the lighter insert is mounted there) and the base of the lighter is quite heavy as they are casted from metal and heavy silver-plated. The base is three legged and padded with green felt.

Overall a nice, "distinguished" and timeless collectors' lighter.

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Writing on the underside (sticker):

"VARAFLAME (R)
EMPIRE"
fashioned by
(C) RONSON (R)
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. U.S.A.

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $55.00–100.00 (approx €40.00–70.00)

Weight: 405 grams (0,9 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 8.6 cm (3.38")
• depth: 4.4 cm (1.73")

A.S.R. Heritage Set, 1949

The "Heritage" Set was manufactured between 1949 and 1953 by the American Safety Razor Co in the United States (Brooklyn, New York). The set consists of a lighter, cigarette holder and a tray. It was available in gleaming copper and rhodium finish or solid brass. A very original set due to its unusual design and the black bakelite handles.

The lighter as well the cigarette urn are standing on three legs which are padded with green felt. They are marked on the bottom:

ASR (R)
MADE IN
U.S.A.

The lighter insert has an automatic 'Light-Switch Action' and stays lit without holding. It is marked:

A.S.R. CORP.
315 JAY ST.
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
PATENT D-146973
-
PAT. RE. 23,207
MADE IN U.S.A.

The tray is unmarked. It is relatively light and engraved with different flourish patterns.

One of the advertisement published in the Times in 1950 says about this set: "Decorators say it's the last word in table touches for living room, library or den! This magnificent A.S.R. 'Heritage' Table Lighter is at home in any setting, traditional or modern. And what a wonderfully different lighter it is! No other like it. Only the 'Heritage' has a handle! You can actually serve a light!"

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): $85.00–150.00 (approx €60.00–110.00)

Weight: tray – 132 grams (0,29 pounds), cigarette urn – 152 grams (0,34 pounds), lighter – 170 grams (0,37 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• width: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

2. Tray

• height: 1.2 cm (0.47")
• width: 23.5 cm (9.25")
• depth: 17.0 cm (6.7")

3. Cigarette holder

• height: 5.5 cm (2.17")
• width: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

M.T.C., Jumping horse Table Lighter, after 1952

This table lighter in a form of a jumping or rearing horse was probably manufactured after 1952 by M.T.C. in Japan. M.T.C. was a Japanese company active in the 50's and 60's. There are a lot of interesting examples of the craftsmanship of M.T.C. Looking around the lighter market M.T.C. produced mainly chrome plate cigarette lighters.

If anyone knows something more about M.T.C. please post a comment.

The Jumping Horse is made of heavy chrome plate but was also available bronze plated. The lighter insert is not removable.

The letters M.T.C. are inscribed in a bell on the bottom of the lighter base.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $40.00–70.00 (approx €30.00–50.00)

Weight: 260 grams (0,57 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.5 cm (4.92")
• width: 4.5 cm (1.77")
• depth: 8.5 cm (3.34")

Evans, Little Boy Sculpture, 1950

This tall and very decorative Evans table lighter was manufactured in ca. 1950 in the United States. The nonferrous metal base is in a form of a sculpture depicting a little boy (angel, cherub?) that is holding a basket. It has a nice antique gold finish. The lighter unit is removable and gold-plated.

The rounded base is padded with green felt and it has no visible markings on the base.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good – mint condition: $100.00–150.00 (approx €70.00–110.00)

Weight: 615 grams (1,36 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 21.0 cm (8.27")
• width: 6.5 cm (2.5")
• depth: 6.5 cm (2.5")

Phinney-Walker & Evans, Alarm Clock Lighter, 1956

The combination and design of Phinney-Walker alarm clock and Evans cigarette lighter is a very fine example of the Art Deco style. This Alarm Clock Lighter was marketed in the United States in 1956–1960. Very collectible – many cigarette lighters collectors' guides have it on its pages. Its actual catalog name is Smoke-Time and 30-Hour Desk Lighter Alarm (model no. PW44E1400). The catalog retail price from 1959 was $ 22.50.

The Phinney-Walker Co. was founded in New York in ca. 1903. In the 1910s and 1920s they designed and manufactured automobile clocks. The most popular Rim-Wind Car Clock called "Embassy" was manufactured in 1925 and was an eight day clock that was wound and set by rotating the outer rim (source). It was mounted among others in the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II. The earlier version of the Phinney-Walker, also an eight day clock, was mounted in Ford Model-T.

Starting from the 1930s the company became less a producer and more a marketing company. It was active till 1970s. The production was outsourced to many different companies placed in Germany (Semca), United States (mainly in Connecticut), Japan and Switzerland. Phinney Walker Co. was also very popular for marketing travel alarm clocks in the 1950s.

The alarm clock is Swiss made and has a 30-hour mechanical movement. The clock's face has gilt figures, hours indicators with cream and gold/luminous hands, and a gold alarm hand. The case of the clock is made of brass, partly brushed and partly gold color plated.

The lighter unit was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of metal and gold color plated. The rounded base is padded with blue felt. The Alarm Clock Lighter was advertised as: "Sure-Fire" appeal... that'll "light-up" the charm of the genial host or hostess. It's priceless for office or home.

The same clock and lighter base was used by SWIZA (founded in 1904) an 8 Jewel Alarm Clock Lighter. The lighter insert however was not made by Evans but by one of the English suppliers. See here.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $140.00–200.00 (approx €100.00–145.00)

Weight: 450 grams (1 pound)

Dimensions:

• height: 13.0 cm (5.2")
• width: 8.0 cm (3.15")
• depth: 6.0 cm (2.36")

Below is a fragment of the A.H. Ficken Co. Wholesale Catalog from 1958.

 

Ronson Tempo, 1954

The Ronson Tempo was manufactured since 1954 both in Toronto (Canada) and Newark (N.J., USA). It was marketed till 1956.

This futuristic table lighter is oval shaped and it uses the face-lifted Ronson Standard fitment. It was manufactured in three different finishes. The most common is the chrome-plated version, the two others are rare: cooper plate and partly chrome plate and partly covered with a thin layer of black paint.

The bottom of the table lighter is padded with green felt.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the underside:

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

or

RONSON TORONTO, CANADA
CAN.PAT. 449.159. JUNE.15.1948
U.S.PAT. 2.481.195
RONSON
TRADE MARK
TEMPO

Scarcity: uncommon (chrome plate) – rare (cooper plate, black/chrome plate)

Value for good–mint condition: $35.00–70.00 (approx €25.00–50.00)

Weight: 310 grams (0,68 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.2 cm (2.1")
• width: 4.5 cm (1.77")
• depth: 8.5 cm (3.34")

Mayflower, Sterling, 1953

The lighter name is unknown though it was manufactured in relatively small amount in 1953 and 1954 by Mayflower which made silverware similar to the product range offered by Duchin Creations.

The Mayflower lighter is rounded and has a swirl-rimmed pattern. The base of the lighter is made from sterling silver – 925 grade of silver. It is weighted and marked.

The lighter insert is a standard chrome plate insert made in Japan. The same lighter insert was used among others in the Duchin Creations table lighter.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the underside of the sterling base:
Scarcity: very rare

Value for good – mint condition: $75.00–130.00 (approx €55.00–95.00)

Weight: 140 grams (0,31 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.0 cm (3.94")
• width: 4.5 cm (1.77")
• depth: 4.5 cm (1.77")

Canterbury & Evans, Lighter Set, ca. 1950

The Canterbury and Evans Lighter Set was made in ca. 1950. It consists of a lighter and matching cigarette holder. Canterbury Silversmiths Inc. was a small company based in Brooklyn (New York, U.S.) active in the 1940's and 1950's. The "Canterbury" Trademark was registered on the 12^th November, 1948. The company manufactured sterling and silver-plated flatware and hollowware, mainly butter dishes, trays, coasters, milk jugs, sugar basins etc.

The set is kept in a simple neet design. It is made from a light thin but hard metal, probably aluminum and silver-plated.

The lighter insert was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of brass and is silver electroplate.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the bottom:

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $90.00–160.00 (€65–115)

Weight:

• cigarette urn – 65 grams (0,14 pounds)
• lighter – 145 grams (0,32 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 10.0 cm (3.9")
• width: 6.3 cm (2.48")
• depth: 6.3 cm (2.48")

2. Cigarette holder

• height: 6.8 cm (2.68")
• width: 6.5 cm (2.56")
• depth: 6.5 cm (2.56")

Duchin Creations, Sterling, 1944

The lighter name is unknown though it was manufactured in relatively small amount in the 1940's by Duchin Creations starting from 1944. Duchin Creations had its headquarters in New York (NY, U.S.A.) and was a popular maker of a large line of sterling hollowware in the 1940's.

There are at least two different types of sterling lighters marketed by Duchin Creations. This one has a swirl-rimmed pattern and was matching many other hollowware items made by Duchin Creations like: candlesticks, pepper and salt shakers, candelabras etc. The base of the lighter is weighted.

The lighter insert is a typical chrome plate insert made in Japan.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the underside:Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good – mint condition: $45.00–85.00 (approx €35.00–60.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0,3 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.5 cm (3.34")
• width: 6.3 cm (2.48")
• depth: 6.3 cm (2.48")

Evans & Hallmark, Kent, 1949

This table lighter was made in cooperation with Evans by Hallmark Silversmith Inc in 1949 in the U.S. This company originated from New York (NY, U.S.) and was active since the 1910's till 1954 when they merged with Hunt Silver Co Inc to form Hunt-Hallmark Company. They made among others couple of fine silver tobacciana like cigarette urns, lighters and cigarette cases.

The base has a calicyform, likewise the Duchin Lighter, and is made of sterling silver – 925 grade of silver. On the edges there is a good looking tear pattern. The base is weighted.

The lighter insert was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of brass and is silver electroplate.

Marked on bottom:
Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $90.00–170.00 (approx €65.00–120.00)

Weight: 170 grams (0,37 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.0 cm (2.8")
• width: 7.0 cm (2.8")
• depth: 7.0 cm (2.8")