Hamilton Ship Wheel Table Lighter, 1940

This Ship's Wheel Table Lighter made by Hamilton was first manufactured in 1940 in the United States. This nautical figural lighter is heavy chrome plated (no. 3QR7561B) - likely the other most famous Hamilton products: the Airplane and the Knight Table Lighter. The top as well the bottom are painted in black. It was though also available in brass finish (no. 3QR7562C) which is rare.

The wick lighter lights by turning the wheel. The lighter is marked on the underside of the base:

MADE IN U.S.A.
PAT PEND.

or 
 

MADE IN U.S.A.
A PRODUCT OF HAMILTON
PAT PEND.

A magazine advertisement from the 1940 says: Marine Style-Turn the Wheel-Lights Up. Here's just the right nautical touch for desk, smoking stand or den-a ship's wheel lighter that never misses. Just turn the wheel and it lights up with a steady lighthouse flame. Designed with all the smooth trimness of true marine engineering and finished in brilliant chromium or brass that will not tarnish or stain. Holds oceans of fluid so that it will go week after week without being refilled, lighting up faithfully at the flick of a finger. Lighter stands 5 inches in height.

A similar lighter design was used by Dunhill and it is rare. It fetches prices above $250.-.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition: $75.00–100.00 (approx €50.00–65.00)

Weight: 330 grams (0,73 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.9 cm (3.0")
• diameter: 7.3 cm (2.5")