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
(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.
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")
Is it made of gold?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not. The blade is made of brass and it is only gold color lacquered
ReplyDeleteI own The ASCOT lighter on the bottom. The coil is broken.. Other then that it works. Where can I get it fixed?
ReplyDeleteDifficult to say without having it inspected... I understand that fixing it is not only a matter of gluing? For such questions it is better to use the forum (http://collecting-lighters.com/) where you also can post some pictures.
ReplyDeleteI have a repaired one of these that must have been a "give-away" as it is engraved with Grosfeld House". How does this open? The flint still sparks but I can not figure how to put fuel?
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem, How do you fill it up w/ fuel ?
ReplyDeleteI have one in mint condition, jade. All new in box. Never opened and with all the papers and the sheath. How much could it be worth?
ReplyDeleteI also have one but haven't figured out how to put fuel in it either.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing to do in order to service the lighter is take the lighter insert out of the dagger housing. You need to pull it out!
ReplyDeleteI have same issue. Tried pulling the lighter off. Won't budge. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI just got one, looked it up and here I am. It's so badass I knew it was well known 😁
ReplyDeleteI too cannot get the lighter out,
ReplyDeleteThere is some sort of catch I have not figured out. In order to fuel and service the lighter you hold the latch down to release the lid. If you gently grasp the lid you can pull the lighter up. The problem is that (on mine) there is some sort of solid stop preventing the lighter from exiting the dagger. If it is a blockage then it feels solid. The lighter comes about halfway out and just stops.
ReplyDeletePush the button to open the top, then pull straight up on the top / lid that just opened and the lighter will come out. The lighter sits inside the handle. Do not try to pull on the whole handle.
ReplyDeleteI got one of these for my birthday recently and the lighter fluid is empty, does anyone know how to refill it?
ReplyDelete