Kem, Pepsi-Cola Advertising Cigarette Lighter, 1955

The Pepsi-Cola advertising cigarette lighter was manufactured in 1955 in Algonac, Michigan in the United States by Kem for Pepsi-Cola Company (now PepsiCo). In late 1940s and 1950s the Kem Co. was a famous manufacturer of advertising lighters in shape of bottles and cans made both of metal or plastic.

The Kem Pepsi-Cola Lighter (on the left) was a simple giveaway in shape of a Pepsi-Cola bottle which was made of modern plastic and marked on the bottom:

KEM

ALGONAC, MICH. U.S.A.

PAT. PEND.

The metal crown on the top is marked: Pepsi-Cola.

The two halves pull apart to show the simple wick and wheel type lighter made of brass. It is not marked.

On the front of the bottle the label SPARKLING Pepsi-Cola is painted. On the other side the slogan: The Light Refreshment is placed. The campaign based on this slogan started in 1953. It capitalizes on a change in the product's formula that reduces caloric content of Pepsi-Cola. This marketing strategy was applied as more and more Americans became weight conscious.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $35.00–55.00 (approx €30.00–45.00)

Weight: 16 grams (0.57 oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.0 cm (2.76")
• diameter: 1.7 cm (0.67")