Monday, December 15, 2014

Ritepoint Roman Classic Liter, Vu-Lighter, 1949


The "Roman Classic Liter" Table/Desk Lighter was manufactured by Ritepoint Co. in St. Louis, USA between 1949 and 1954. Sylvester G. Lipic was the inventor of this futuristic looking lighter which was available in four colors. It was the first table lighter with a transparent fuel reservoir (today known as the see through "vu-lighter") which was a lucrative invention as it was widely used in the advertising sector. 

The Ritepoint Liter was advertised as the lighter that "signals the eye — before it's dry". The body was made of a transparent plastic whereas the top and the bottom were made of brass and chrome-plated. The bottom of the lighter is padded with black felt and marked:

RITEPOINT LITER
PAT'S PEND'G
(C) RITEPOINT CO.
ST. LOUIS, MO. U.S.A.
Sylvester G. Lipic Pres.


Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $30.00–40.00 (€25–30)

Weight: 148 grams (5.2 oz)


Dimensions:
  • height: 11 cm (4.3")
  • diameter: 4.9 cm (1.9")

3 comments:

  1. I have started collecting these truly remarkable lighters and have gotten a Clear, Orange and Red what is the fourth color I must know so I can complete my collection thank you

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous29 May, 2022

    Hi, a friend gave me this lighter as a present. Do you have any instructions on how to refill it? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi. I'd love to know if you can tell me how these devices were opened to add fluid and replace the wick and flint. I have an old one that belonged to my grandparents and I want to restore it properly. Am afraid of breaking it if I twist the wrong piece. Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete