Ronson Lenox Set Lighter and Cigarette Holder, 1959


The Ronson Lenox Set consists of a lighter and a matching cigarette holder. The set was manufactured between 1959 and 1960 in the United States of America. The Set made of bone china porcelain was available in few different finishes trimmed in gold: asparagus green (see picture), light pink, plain wait and white with a flying bird scene.

Lenox was founded in 1889 by Walter Scott Lenox as Lenox's Ceramic Art Company, Trenton, New Jersey. From the start it was organized as an art studio and not as a factory. It did not have full lines of ceramics but rather one-of-a-kind artwares. The company at first had just eighteen employees. Their products were carried in shops specializing in high-quality pottery. Lenox's products were first displayed at The Smithsonian Institution in 1897.

Lenox's products became popular in the early 20th century when separate dining rooms and hostess parties became the new trend. Lenox then started making custom-designed, elaborately decorated dining plates. He faced European competition but commissioned famous American artists such as William Morley to decorate his plates. He gained success at this and eventually turned his attention to complete sets of dinnerware. In 1906 he changed his firm's name from the Ceramic Art Company to Lenox Incorporated to show the widing scope of his products. Lenox sells tabletop, giftware and collectible products. Lenox remains the only major manufacturer of bone china based in the United States.

The removable gold tone Essex lighter insert is marked on the bottom:

RONSON (R)
NEWARK, N.J., U.S.A.
U.S. PATENTS
2,481,195 & 2,715,329

The porcelain base of the lighter as well the cigarette holder are marked:

LENOX
MADE IN USA

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

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

Weight:  
  • cigarette holder:  110 grams (0.24 pounds)
  • table lighter: 215 grams (0.47 pounds)
Dimensions:
  • height: 11.8 cm (4.6")
  • diameter: 7 cm (2.7")

Dating Zippo Lighters, 1932-2007


Dating Zippo Lighters is not very complicated, both pocket and table lighters that use the typical Zippo lighter insert. Just check the markings on your Zippo and try to find it in the table below.

Year Regular Slim

Left Right Left Right
1932 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. PENDING    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
The case is 2-7/16" tall, 1/4" taller than 1934-1936 outside hinge plate models.
1933 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. PENDING    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
Case is still 2-7/16" tall during the 1st quarter of 1933. Mid-1933, Zippo reduced
the case to 2-3/16 inches in height. True 1933's are 2-7/16" tall.
1934 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. PENDING    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
1935 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. PENDING    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
1936 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
This 1936 model must have an outside four barrel hinge and the "PAT. PENDING" logo. All
true 1936's through 1941's have to have either a flat or slightly curved outward bottom and the
2032695 patent number. The 2032695 patent number was placed on the bottom line in mid-1936.
1937-41 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
Some 1936-40 types have flat bottoms, while other 1938-41 variants have both
corners that are rounded and bottoms that are slightly curved outward.
1942 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 203695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
Some 1942 models have the 203695 patent number in lieu of the 2032695 patent number.
1942-45 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
All true 1943-45 models will have the 2032695 PAT. NUMBER on a steel case. These do not
have canned bottoms. The bottom of the case extends outward, even more profoundly than their
1938-1942 counterparts. These were black crackle WW II models. The word "ZIPPO" and the
type face vary during these years, with some lettering bolder and more rounded.
1946-49 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
Lighters made from 1946 to date have a canned bottom with the exception of replica lighters.
1946-49 models have a 3-barrel hinge. Spacing of the words, letters and the height of "ZIPPO"
vary during this period.
1949-50 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
The 1949-50 model has the exact the same bottom markings as the 1948-49 model, but
it has a 5-barrel hinge on a chrome plated nickel/silver case.
1951 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
The 1951 model had three different bottom markings (which cannot be adequately shown here) 
The spacing between the words MFG. CO. and BRADFORD vary in relation to the word ZIPPO,
and at times ZIPPO is shorter in height and words are closer together.
1952-53 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
This model had a 5-barrel chrome plated steel case. There were three bottom variations. The
bottom letterings were alike, but differed as far as the depth of the strike that was made when
stamping it. All the "shorter and more compact" logo.
1953 ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD.PA.
MADE IN  ZIPPO  U.S.A.
PAT. 2517191  Ž  PAT. PEND.
Not Made Yet
This model has the "full stamp" bottom logo on a chrome plated steel case with a 5-barrel hinge.
Early 1953 models had the 2032695 patent number whereas later models had the 2517191 patent
number with the large pat. pending logo that covered most of the bottom of the lighter. In 1953
Zippo started using the registered trademark subscript, Ž, as part of the bottom logo.
1954-55 ZIPPO MFG. CO.  BRADFORD.PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. 2032695    MADE IN U.S.A.
Not Made Yet
Very similar to the 1953 model except that it has a 5-barrel hinge on a chrome-plated brass case.
Later 1955 models began using the 2517191 patent number.
Mid-1955 Zippo changed the Logo to a stylized "Zorro" script style slanting from lower left
side towards the upper right-hand side. The actual design is not shown in the codes below. Zippo
also began adding coding marks mid-1955. The "dots" on the left and right sides of the
Zippo logo are located near the top of the Zippo logo, but this couldn't be shown.





1955 BRADFORD,                             PA.
....               ZIPPO     Ž        ....
PAT. 2517191               PAT. PEND.
....                ....
1956 BRADFORD,                             PA.
...               ZIPPO     Ž        ....
PAT. 2517191               PAT. PEND.
 ....                ....
In 1956, note that one dot has been removed from the left side.
1957 BRADFORD,                             PA.
....               ZIPPO     Ž        ....
PAT. 2517191 
....                ....
For 1957, the left dot has returned, but the "PAT. PEND." logo has been removed.
1958 BRADFORD,                    PA.
....           ZIPPO   Ž      ....
PAT. 2517191
....                ...
From 1958 to 1967, the patent numbers are centered.
1959 BRADFORD,                    PA 
...           ZIPPO   Ž      ....
PAT. 2517191
...                 ...
This is a true 1959 model, with 3 dots on the left and 4 dots on the right, but there is no PAT. PEND.
on a 1959 model. The 1960-67 models have the 2517191 pat. # centered as well as having the
dots or slashes depending on the year. From now on only the dots or slashes are shown, but the
look is exactly the the same in all other ways as above.





1960 ...                  ... ..                    ...
1961 ...                  ..  ..                     .. 
1962 ..                   .. ..                     . 
1963 ..                    .  .                     . 
1964 .                     .  
1965 .                      
Zippo put no code on the bottom of a 1965 slim, so that both the regular and slim size
lighters would have the the same code from then on.
1966 | | | |                        | | | | the same
1967 | | | |                         | | | the same
1968 | | |                           | | | the same
1969 | | |                           | | the same
Zippo made two changes on the bottom of the cases mid-1969. Zippo used a new press
machine in 1969 which caused the  "canned" bottom of the lighter to be more dented in. Also,
at this time, Zippo changed the "Z" logo on the word Zippo and gave the letter "Z" a "tail" hanging
down on the right side. Therefore there are two different logos on a 1969 lighter.
1970 | |                            | | the same
1971 | |                             |  the same
1972 |                              | the same
1973 |                               the same
1974 ////                      //// the same
1975 ////                       /// the same
1976 ///                      /// the same
1977 ///                        // the same
1978 //                        // the same
1979 /                        // the same
1979 marked the last year Zippo used the "Zorro" style "Z" on the word Zippo. 1980 marked the
first year of the stylized "Zippo" logo were the letters "Z" and "i" are connected and a flame takes
the place of the "dot" in the letter "i". In addition, the words "Bradford, PA." were moved below
the word Zippo. From  1980 to date Zippo has used many different bottom logos, even for the
the same year (although their code system is still accurate).
1980 /                         / the same
1981 /                            the same
1982 \\\\                        \\\\ the same
1983 \\\\                        \\\ the same
1984 \\\                         \\\ the same
1985 \\\                         \\ the same
1986 \\                          \\ the same
Effective 7-1-86 the above system was replaced by a YEAR/LOT code. Year is noted
in Roman Numerals whereas Letters designate LOT month (A=Jan., B=Feb., etc.) The LOT
letter designation is to the left of the word Zippo, and the Roman Numeral is to the right.
1986 A to L                  II  the same
1987 A to L                  III the same
1988 A to L                  IV the same
1989 A to L                  V the same
1990 A to L                  VI the same
1991 A to L                 VII the same
1992 A to L                 VIII the same
1993 A to L                   IX the same
1994 A to L                   X the same
1995 A to L                  XI the same
1996 A to L                 XII the same
1997 A to L                 XIII the same
1998 A to L                 XIV the same
1999 A to L                 XV the same
2000 A to L                 XVI the same
2001 A to L                   01 the same
2002 A to L                 02 the same
2003 A to L                 03 the same
2004 A to L                 04 the same
2005 A to L                 05 the same
2006 A to L                 06 the same
2007 A to L                 07 the same

Ronson SociaLite Table Lighter, 1952


The Ronson SociaLite was manufactured between 1952 and 1955 only in Toronto, Canada by Ronson. The plastic cuboid body was available in  various colors like black, dark green, dark blue, red or even pink and maroon.


The sides of the cube were covered with imprinted illustrations like:
  • curling design,
  • bowling design,
  • scrabble design, 
  • fishing design,
  • folklore design,
  • geometric design (see picture), 
  • Canada souvenir design,
  • fly fishing lures,
  • chess figures,
  • card suits,
  • and many others... as the lighter body was used as a marketing tool for various companies (for example: Quebec North Shore Paper Company, Vivian Diesels, UCC, Kidde). 
The removable chrome-plated lighter insert is marked on the bottom:

RONSON
TORONTO, CANADA

CANADA PATENT
JUNE 15,19481449,159)
U.S. PAT. 2,481,195

Marked on the bottom of the plastic base:

RONSON 
SOCIALITE
MADE IN CANADA

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $45.00–90.00 (approx €35.00–75.00)

Weight: 170 grams (0.37 pounds)

Dimensions:
  • height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
  • width: 4.5 cm (1.8")
  • length: 4.5 cm (1.8")

Advert: ASR Lighters with Ella Raines, 1949


This ASR (Ascot) vintage magazine advertisement was published in the LIFE Magazine on the 28th of November, 1949. The Heritage Table Lighter is present as well Ella Raines - the famous American film and television actress.

Ronson Moderna / Venetian Table Lighter, 1954


The handy Ronson Moderna / Venetian wick lighter was produced between 1954 and 1955 in England by Ronson. The very light base of the lighter was made of wood and was available in two versions: the center section was either in leather or dark colored wood. The top as well the bottom section of the base were made of lacquered pine. The lighter had two different names - "Moderna" and "Venetian". The first one was produced in the 1954 and Venetian on 1955. The removable chrome-plated lighter insert is marked on the bottom:

RONSON
TRADEMARK
MADE IN ENGLAND
BRIT. PAT. 621570

Golden sticker on the bottom of the base says:

RONSON 
MODERNA
MADE IN ENGLAND

or

RONSON 
VENETIAN
MADE IN ENGLAND
Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $30.00–60.00 (approx €20.00–40.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0.3 pounds)

Dimensions:
  • height: 8.6 cm (3.4")
  • diameter: 5.6 cm (2.2")

Advert: Camel Cigarettes 1933-1964


The cigarette ad series is continued with the "Camel" cigarettes magazine advertisements. Source: ModernMechanix.

Popular Mechanics, July 1954 (John Wayne)

Popular Science, August 1946 (doctors)

Popular Mechanics, September 1955

Popular Science, June 1933

Popular Science, July 1933

Popular Science, August 1964

Ronson Royal Crown Derby Table Lighter, 1954


This porcelain table lighter was made in 1954 in England by Ronson and Royal Crown Derby. The base of the lighter is fine bone China "fashioned exclusively for Ronson" by the the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company. It is in Imari pattern. These brightly coloured Japanese Imari patterns, are generally featuring intricate geometric patterns layered with various floral designs. These designs proved extremely and lastingly popular in the XIX and XX century.
 
The Royal Crown Derby, based in Derby, England, is particularly known for its high-quality bone china, has produced tableware and ornamental items since approximately 1750. It was known as "Derby Porcelain" until 1773, when it became Crown Derby, the "Royal" being added in 1890, the factory having closed and been revived in the meantime.

Marked on the bottom of the base - ROYAL CROWN DERBY ENGLAND BONE CHINA "FASHIONED EXCLUSIVELY FOR RONSON":



A gold tone Ronson Essex fitment was used as the removable lighter insert. It is marked:


RONSON (R) 
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A. 
U.S. PATENT 2,481,195

It is worth to know that the Royal Crown Derby and Ronson issued a very similar lighter in 1974. It had a gas lighter fitment and the bone China body was available in two Imari patterns in the same shape as the old one. Marked on the bottom:



Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $70.00–110.00 (approx €55.00–80.00)

Weight: 235 grams (0.52 pounds)

Dimensions:
  • height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
  • diameter: 8.7 cm (3.4")